Follow usFrancis Ngannou is set to test Anthony Joshua’s chin. The former UFC heavyweight champion will face the former world titleholder in the same division in a professional boxing match on March 9th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In an interview with “The MMA Hour,” Ngannou revealed that the opportunity to face AJ arose after Deontay Wilder was ruled out as a potential opponent for the British boxer.
The Bronze Bomber suffered a defeat to Joseph Parker at the end of last year, disrupting negotiations with Joshua.
“I wrote a post on social media after Wilder and Joshua’s fights, and I received a call. There was an opportunity for me.”
On the same fight night that Wilder suffered a loss, Anthony Joshua triumphed convincingly over Otto Wallin. Ngannou praised Joshua’s performance, acknowledging his speed and sharpness. However, he expressed skepticism about Joshua’s ability to handle stronger opponents.
“Joshua looked incredible. Congratulations to him. He showed speed, was sharp. On the other hand, I didn’t see any response to his attacks. When he faces a better fighter, it will be different. I won’t just stand and watch; I’ll be throwing my best punches. If AJ takes a punch like the one I used to knock down Fury, he won’t get up. I heard he has a weak chin. I’ll find out if that’s true,” said the fighter known as “The Predator.”
Despite the competitive spirit, Ngannou always demonstrates sportsmanship and even mentioned that he would grant a rematch to Joshua if he emerges victorious.
“This fight is good for both of us. Even if we were brothers, I would still box with him because that’s how we elevate the level of the sport and our continent. You don’t fight someone because you hate them, but because that’s how you raise the bar. I would have a rematch with Joshua in Africa. That would be cool.”
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