Less than 90 days ago, Francis Ngannou had never ventured into the world of professional boxing. His brutal power was well-known in the UFC Octagon, where he reigned as the heavyweight champion. However, his boxing skills were untested until his October showdown with Tyson Fury. Surprising the world, Ngannou dropped Fury in Round 3 and even won on one of the scorecards. Now, he faces former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This incredible opportunity to face two future Hall of Famers in his first two professional boxing matches is truly unprecedented.
Ngannou’s performance against Fury was stunning to say the least. Despite being the underdog, he displayed a keen sense of range control with his jab and used his power and awkward style to make Fury hesitant. Ngannou’s ability to land punches accurately and knock Fury down proved his boxing talent. However, it is worth considering how much of this success was due to Fury’s own shortcomings. As the best heavyweight in the world, Fury may have underestimated Ngannou, leading to his confusion and inability to find his timing. With 10 rounds of Ngannou’s boxing tape available for Joshua and his trainer Ben Davison to study, it remains to be seen if the young fighter’s weaknesses can be exposed.
Ngannou’s performance against Fury earned him the respect of fans and pundits alike. Many believed he deserved the decision victory, and even without it, the fact that he dropped “The Gypsy King” was a triumph in itself. However, in his upcoming fight against Joshua, more will be expected from Ngannou. If he can secure another spirited decision, he will solidify his position as a heavyweight contender. Even a wide decision loss, as long as he remains competitive, will ensure his continued relevance in the boxing world. However, if Ngannou is uncompetitive or knocked out early, it could spell the end of his impressive run. On the other hand, a victory over Joshua will propel Ngannou towards a potential fight against the winner of Fury-Usyk and set the stage for another meaningful bout.
Anthony Joshua, once written off after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, has the chance to prove his critics wrong against Ngannou. Prior to his upset defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, Joshua was known for his aggressive seek-and-destroy style and devastating power. However, the loss seemed to have reshaped his mindset, and he adopted a cautious, safety-first approach in subsequent fights. Fans were left wanting more, and Joshua’s aggressive edge seemed to have dulled. Against Wallin, however, he showed signs of his former self. With Davison in his corner, Joshua displayed aggression, power, and the ability to seek a stoppage. This rejuvenated version of Joshua, now in his third fight of 2023, is eager to prove that he is truly back and ready to face the best in the division.
The upcoming fight between Ngannou and Joshua is set to be a clash of titans. Ngannou’s unexpected rise and incredible power versus Joshua’s redemption story and rejuvenation make for an intriguing matchup. While Ngannou has shocked the world once, the question remains: can he do it again? Joshua’s recent performance suggests that he is back on track and ready to reclaim his status as one of the top heavyweights in the world. The outcome of this fight will not only shape the future of both fighters but also the landscape of the heavyweight division. With the winner potentially facing off against Fury or Usyk, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The rise of Francis Ngannou and his upcoming fight against Anthony Joshua has captivated the boxing world. Ngannou’s unexpected success against Fury has made him a legitimate threat in the heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Joshua seeks redemption and aims to prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with. The stage is set for an epic showdown that will determine the trajectory of both fighters’ careers. When these two powerhouses collide in the ring on March 8, the world will be watching, ready to witness history in the making.
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