Tag: Anthony Joshua

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been backed to land a knockout win over former world titleholder, Anthony Joshua in the pair’s March boxing match in Riyadh, with his head coach, Eric Nicksick confident of the Cameroonian’s ability to stop the Brit in close. 

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, made his professional boxing debut back in August of last year in Saudi Arabia, suffering a close, split decision loss to unbeaten WBC heavyweight titleholder, Tyson Fury in the pair’s grudge fight.

As for Joshua, the Watford native headlined a ‘Day of Reckoning’ billed card in the Middle East back in December of last year, landing his third consecutive victory since his title loss, with a corner’s stoppage TKO win over Swedish contender, Otto Wallin.

Francis Ngannou backed to KO Anthony Joshua in March

And taking on Francis Ngannou in the Middle East in a massive heavyweight clash in March, Joshua has been warned by the Batié native’s coach, Nicksick, that if he leaves his chin open in the pocket, it will be ultimately found.

“He’s (Anthony Joshua) more of a plot fighter, kind of works well behind his jab, but I feel like we can find him there in the pocket rather than having to chase him down or try to hunt him down,” Nicksick told MMA Fighting. “So, there’s some differences there, but by that style of fight, if he’s going to be there in the pocket, Francis (Ngannou) will find you.” 

In his most recent walk in mixed martial arts, Ngannou turned in a successful heavyweight title retention win in a championship unification bout against then-interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane back in 2022, handing the Frenchman his first professional loss in the sport. 

Slated to make his sophomore walk to the squared circle in March in a massive showdown against former two-time heavyweight world boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, former UFC heavyweight kingpin, Francis Ngannou faced off with the boxing star today in England – ahead of their Saudi Arabia showcase later this year.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, made his professional boxing debut back in August in Riyadh, forcing unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury the distance over the course of 12 rounds in a close, dubious split decision loss to the Morecambe native.

Receiving massive plaudits for his performance in his first-ever walk to the ring, Francis Ngannou dropped Fury early in the bout, however, dropped a decision loss to the British heavyweight, as he chases a rematch with the WBC best later this year.

As for Joshua, the Watford native turned in his third consecutive victory back in December and his second straight stoppage win, beating Swedish contender, Otto Wallin in the Middle East with a corner’s stoppage TKO success.

And making his return to the ring in Saudi Arabia in March, Joshua met with Ngannou for the first time today in the UK – taking to the stage alongside the Batié knockout artist, as well as promoters, Eddie Hearn, and his Queensberry Promotions counterpart, Frank Warren.

Anthony Joshua faces off with Francis Ngannou in London

Enjoying a rather cordial face-off after a brief staredown, Ngannou extended a handshake to Joshua following their meeting, with the latter obliging as both then exited the stage. 

Expected to make a PFL (Professional Fighters League) debut later this year following his signing with the Peter Murray-led organization at the beginning of last annum, Ngannou has been sidelined from mixed martial arts since 2022.

In his most recent outing, the Cameroonian successfully defended and unified his heavyweight titles in a unanimous decision win over then-interim champion, Ciryl Gane in Anaheim, California, handing the Frenchman his first professional loss. 

Who wins on March 8. in Saudi Arabia: Anthony Joshua or Francis Ngannou?

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou claims he has heard from sources that incoming foe and former two-time heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua has a questionable ability to take a shot – to say the very least.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight titleholder under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined since he made his professional boxing debut back in August in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, forcing current WBC heavyweight best, Tyson Fury the distance in a hard-fought and controversial decision loss.

As for Joshua, the Watford native turned in his third victory in as many fights back in December, stopping Otto Wallin with a vicious onslaught, forcing his corner to stop the bout between rounds.

And earlier this week, reports confirmed that Ngannou would be making his sophomore outing in the squared circle, taking on former world champion, Joshua in a professional boxing match. 

Francis Ngannou weighs up Anthony Joshua matchup

Sharing his thoughts on his matchup with the British striker, Ngannou claimed that he would be confident of not only fighting the former’s chin, but also keeping him on the canvas if he landed him there.

“The day is set,” Francis Ngannou told MMA Fighting. “It’s two months from now, and if any of them think they are going to have easy money, too bad for them. If AJ (Anthony Joshua) takes the punch that (Tyson) Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he’s [getting back] up. I have heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I’m going to find out.”

“I think he’s still the same fighter,” Francis Ngannou explained. “Being the same fighter doesn’t mean you can’t lose. He lost to Andy Ruiz. He lost to Oleksandr Usyk and he can still lose. By the way, I’m really intending to hand him a loss on March 8. You can still be who you are, but still lose. Nobody is undefeated.”

Who wins in the March matchup: Anthony Joshua or Francis Ngannou?