Anthony Joshua wants to position himself for a world title fight – but knockout punch Francis Ngannou is not to be underestimated
The next boxing spectacle in Saudi Arabia: Former world champion Anthony Joshua wants to position himself for a world heavyweight title fight – but must first beat former MMA star Francis Ngannou. “The better man will always win. I’m looking forward to showing him how good I am,” said Joshua ahead of the fight in Riyadh on Friday (from 23:00).
But the Brit has been warned. Former UFC champion Ngannou surprisingly knocked down WBC world champion Tyson Fury (35) in his first official boxing fight in October and brought him to the brink of defeat. He is regarded as a feared knockout punch. “I’m just starting out, there’s a long way to go. I want to celebrate many big victories,” said the 37-year-old Franco-Cameroonian.
Joshua (record: 27 wins, 3 defeats) had scored a must-win against the Swede Otto Wallin shortly before Christmas. After the Brit’s career came to a standstill due to defeats against the Ukrainian WBA, WBO and IBF champion Alexander Usyk (37), he wants to get back among the top contenders for a world championship fight in the premier class.
To do so, the 34-year-old needs a win against Ngannou. The fight, which is being promoted under the slogan “Knockout Chaos”, will last ten rounds. “It will be a good fight,” predicted Joshua.
