Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is set to embark on a new chapter in his boxing career. In an exclusive video interview with ESPN, Ngannou’s coach, Dewey Cooper, revealed that the renowned fighter will be taking his training camp to Saudi Arabia for his upcoming match against Anthony Joshua on March 8 in Riyadh.
Traditionally, Ngannou has conducted his training camps at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. However, for this fight, Ngannou has chosen to change his scenery and opt for the facilities and resources offered in Saudi Arabia. This shift in location aims to provide Ngannou with a fresh perspective and an environment that will enhance his training experience.
The decision to train in Saudi Arabia was not made without careful consideration. Ngannou’s team, led by Cooper, weighed the logistical aspects and the potential impact on training time. Rather than flying back and forth from England to the United States, Ngannou and his team opted to remain in Saudi Arabia after attending a news conference in London with Joshua.
By avoiding additional transatlantic travel, Ngannou is maximizing his training time and ensuring that he can fully immerse himself in his preparation for the fight against Joshua. The accommodations, training partners, and a dedicated gym have already been arranged in Saudi Arabia, providing Ngannou and his team with a seamless transition to their new training camp location.
Ngannou’s decision to pursue boxing stems from his desire to test himself in a different discipline. In his pro boxing debut just three months ago, Ngannou nearly dethroned Tyson Fury, widely regarded as the best heavyweight boxer in the world. Despite a close defeat, Ngannou’s performance resonated with fans and experts alike, with many believing he deserved the victory over Fury.
The recognition and potential Ngannou displayed in his boxing debut led him to sign a lucrative deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for MMA last May, following his departure from UFC earlier in 2023. His upcoming bout against Joshua signifies another high-profile match in his boxing career, demonstrating his rapid ascent and demand within the sport.
A Twist of Fate and an Empty Ring
The magnitude of Ngannou’s upcoming fight with Joshua cannot be understated. Originally, Joshua was slated to face Deontay Wilder, provided Wilder emerged victorious in his bout against Joseph Parker last month. However, fate had other plans, and Ngannou’s impressive performance against Fury shifted the boxing landscape.
“The fight gods, the gods of boxing, the gods of entertainment came together and made this happen,” acknowledged Cooper, who also serves as the president of boxing’s Team Combat League. The unexpected turn of events left Joshua without an opponent, until Ngannou emerged as a worthy adversary.
With both fighters eager to prove their mettle in the ring, the Ngannou-Joshua showdown promises to be an exhilarating clash between two powerhouses of the sport. Ngannou’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his unyielding determination to succeed in the boxing world have undoubtedly contributed to the creation of this high-stakes matchup.
Though Ngannou’s training site may change, his trusted team of coaches will remain steadfast in their support. While Cooper oversees Ngannou’s preparations in Saudi Arabia, Eric Nicksick, another prominent coach from Xtreme Couture, is scheduled to join the camp in late February.
This cohesive unit, comprising experienced coaches and dedicated training partners, is integral to Ngannou’s success. The synergy between Ngannou and his team will continue to propel him forward as he hones his skills and refines his technique in preparation for the highly anticipated clash with Joshua.
Francis Ngannou’s decision to train in Saudi Arabia for his upcoming boxing match against Anthony Joshua marks a pivotal moment in his career. With a historic debut under his belt and an unwavering determination to succeed, Ngannou’s journey in boxing continues to captivate the world. As the countdown to the fight begins, fans eagerly await the clash of these heavyweight titans, witnessing the culmination of Ngannou’s relentless pursuit of greatness.
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