Anthony Joshua will go face to face against Francis Ngannou in Riyadh on Friday in a bout that could potentially set up a future title fight.
Former world heavyweight champion Joshua goes up against former MMA champion Ngannou who has taken the switch in career from UFC to boxing.
The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh is the host for the much anticipated bout and both men will be fired up for a potential title fight in the future.
After entering the boxing scene with a clean 22 fight unbeaten streak, the British boxer was slowed down by defeats to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk.
However, he’s gradually getting back to relevance with three consecutive wins and is now focused on his resurgence.
Francis Ngannou won the UFC world heavyweight title in 2021 before leaving to join the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
He has however put his career in mixed martial arts on hold to pursue his ambition in boxing.
His first ever boxing bout saw him lose to Tyson Fury in a match many felt the Cameroonian actually won.
The matchup against Joshua presents him with another opportunity to establish himself in the boxing scene and take a step further in his quest to become a world champion in the ring.
“I was watching the Fury and Ngannou fight from home, and from what I saw, I thought he won,” Joshua said to SkySports on Ngannou’s controversial loss to Fury.
“It’s not a gimmick, it’s not something that’s benefiting the broadcasters, it’s not just a fight for entertainment purposes,” added Joshua.
The 34 year old Nigerian descent is however not leaving stones unturned ahead of the bout and sees the “Underground King” of boxing as a real threat.
“This is a serious fight with someone who is prepared and understands the dynamic of boxing and he’s putting up a good fight against the apparently generational great. So I look at it now as something completely different.” Muted Joshua.
The 37 year old Ngannou fancies his chances against the former world champion and goes into the bout brimming with confidence.
“I heard that he doesn’t have a chin,” Ngannou said on Joshua according to Reuters.
“I don’t know if it’s true or not. We’re going to find out. I hope I have the opportunity to test that out, that’s my wish.”
Joshua went on to speak on the importance of the bout and how seriously and focused he is ahead of the showdown.
“I don’t put that pressure on myself and I don’t have that thought about anything. I just think about winning and doing what I need to do, that’s my mentality,” Joshua said.
“It’s a fight, it’s a 50/50 fight. Anything can happen. Crazier things have happened before. It is what it is. It’s a great opportunity for me to go back to work. If I didn’t take this opportunity that’s presented to me, when would I be fighting next?”
“When you look at it, I’m not at the start of my career, I’m not at the middle of my career, I’d say I’m probably towards the end of my career.”
“Call it whatever you want to call it, I’m just happy to be at work and doing my job and I can’t wait for the next opportunity that presents itself.” He concluded.
Top boxing promoter Eddie Hearn also confirmed the potential title fight against one of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury for the winner of Friday’s bout.
“The dream for Joshua has always been to be undisputed,” Hearn told BBC.
“If AJ beats Ngannou and Fury beats Usyk, the whole world will be calling for Fury vs. Joshua..”
“It’s probably one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport. Certainly the biggest fight in boxing now.”
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