Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has faced some of the best heavyweights of this era—and era’s past. Yet Joshua isn’t taking his bout versus boxing neophyte and MMA heavyweight legend Francis Ngannou lightly.
Joshua and Ngannou are scheduled to battle Friday, March 8, in Saudi Arabia. This will be Ngannou’s second pro bout. He took on undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury last October. It was a bout many considered a walkover for Fury yet nearly turned into disaster as the Cameroonian dropped Fury early and was the winner in the eyes of most of the public despite losing a close decision.
Fury’s performance might be attributed to his bad habits outside the ring combined with him not taking Ngannou seriously enough. Joshua, a Nigerian-born Brit, is determined not to make that mistake. Seemingly rejuvenated, Joshua looked sensational last December stopping contender Otto Wallin in dominant fashion. Rumors are that he looks even better in this camp.
“Before, we were already talking about this fight and I said: ‘No, it’s a buzz fight’. But today, no, it’s the biggest challenge of my life. I wanted to fight for titles, I wanted to lead my career towards the belts. This fight always takes me to glory. I have to win, and when I win, I’ll fight for the title, that’s boxing: snakes and ladders. You win, you go up, you lose, you go down. I’ve got to win to keep going,” said Joshua.
