Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou appears to be in peak physical condition as he readies himself for his upcoming match against Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scheduled for March 8th.
The former MMA sensation turned heavyweight boxer appears incredibly sculpted, indicating his strong determination to leave a significant mark in the realm of boxing.
This upcoming match against Anthony Joshua will mark the Cameroonian’s second professional boxing bout, the first being a contentious loss to Tyson Fury in October 2023 through a split decision. Despite knocking down the WBC champion in the third round and showcasing a superior performance on the night, Ngannou faced an unfavorable decision.
Ngannou is gearing up to face Joshua after AJ’s planned bout with Deontay Wilder fell through due to the American’s defeat to Joseph Parker on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card just two days before Christmas. On that same night, Joshua emerged victorious against Otto Wallin, who retired in the corner.
Ngannou is evidently brimming with confidence and a strong desire to defeat Joshua. In an interview with The High Performance Podcast, he made bold statements, including a particularly ominous remark .He stated, “Never dismiss the possibility. Everything is within the realm of possibility. The true extent of Anthony Joshua’s capabilities remains unknown. While I personally doubt his strength, we will soon discover. In just two months, the truth will emerge, and I will be the one claiming victory, taking his spirit.
“This match is evolving into a captivating showdown with significant implications. A victory for Ngannou would solidify his status as a genuine threat in the heavyweight boxing realm, potentially paving the way for a substantial career in the sport.
On the other hand, a triumph for Joshua could open doors for him to face the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Fury bout, a much-anticipated matchup that the boxing world has eagerly awaited for a considerable time. Despite these potential future scenarios, Joshua has emphasized his complete focus on the imminent clash with Ngannou.
He expressed to MMA Hour: “Let me reiterate, I’m not dwelling on other things. I need to refocus my mind, making it clear that Ngannou is my definitive championship bout. That’s the mindset I need to adopt.
Facing Ngannou is my unequivocal challenge because one’s worth is measured by their latest performance, and I hold a great deal of respect for him.
He’s no easy opponent; he poses a tough challenge. Interestingly, so do I. I’m a formidable opponent for anyone, so let’s go – expect an intense showdown.
“The familiar AJ confidence remains evident, marking a significant change in approach towards a match with Ngannou.
This is noteworthy, considering that there was a time when he dismissed a bout with Ngannou as a mere “gimmick.” Clearly, there is now a heightened level of respect for Ngannou’s boxing skills compared to just a few weeks ago.
The shift in attitude raises questions about what might have prompted this change—likely financial incentives. Nevertheless, the upcoming fight promises to be intriguing, with both Joshua and Ngannou displaying immense enthusiasm for the challenge.