Less than 90 days ago, Francis Ngannou had never set foot inside a professional boxing ring. Known for his devastating power in the Octagon as the UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou was seen as a mere dance partner for a boxing superfight when he faced Tyson Fury in October. However, Ngannou defied expectations by dropping Fury in Round 3 and even winning the fight on one of the scorecards. Now, with an upcoming bout against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on March 8, Ngannou has an unprecedented opportunity to prove that he is not just a fluke in the boxing world.
When analyzing Ngannou’s fight against Fury, it becomes clear that he was incredibly effective. Despite being considered the underdog, Ngannou displayed excellent range control with his jab and combined it with his power and unorthodox style to make Fury hesitant in his attacks. Ngannou’s left hook, which landed on Fury’s temple, resulted in the only knockdown of the fight. However, the question remains as to whether Ngannou’s success was due to Fury’s underestimation of him. Fury claims to have trained hard for 12 weeks, but his father contradicts his statement. Regardless, Joshua is unlikely to make the same mistake as Fury after witnessing how Ngannou boxed. With 10 rounds of Ngannou’s boxing tape available for study, Joshua and his trainer Ben Davison will be well-prepared for the fight.
The Impact of Ngannou’s Performance
Ngannou’s performance against Fury has raised expectations for his upcoming match against Joshua. If Ngannou can trouble Joshua or even defeat him, it would solidify his status as a legitimate heavyweight contender. The manner in which he loses will also affect his reputation. If Ngannou puts up a spirited fight but falls short, he will still be considered a contender and should have opportunities for future lucrative boxing matches. However, if he is uncompetitive or knocked out early, it could spell the end of Ngannou’s remarkable run. On the other hand, if Ngannou pulls off a victory against Joshua, he will be in line for a significant bout against the winner of Fury-Usyk.
Anthony Joshua, once considered one of the top heavyweight fighters, has had his fair share of setbacks. After suffering back-to-back losses to Usyk, his reputation took a hit. Joshua’s boxing style has also evolved over the years, with a more cautious approach following his shocking defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. Although he regained his titles in a rematch against Ruiz, Joshua’s subsequent fights showed a lack of aggression, likely stemming from the trauma of his previous loss. However, his recent performance against Otto Wallin showcased a resurgence in Joshua’s aggression and power. With his confidence restored, Joshua has the opportunity to prove that he is truly back with a dominant performance against Ngannou.
The clash between Ngannou and Joshua promises to be an exciting one. Ngannou’s unexpected rise in the boxing world has captivated fans and garnered attention from the heavyweight elite. If Ngannou can replicate his success against Fury and defeat Joshua, he will solidify his status as a top heavyweight contender. However, Joshua is determined to prove that he still has what it takes to be a dominant force in the division.
Francis Ngannou’s journey from UFC heavyweight champion to boxing contender is nothing short of remarkable. His surprising victory over Tyson Fury has set the stage for a high-stakes showdown against Anthony Joshua. While Ngannou aims to shock the world once again, Joshua seeks to solidify his position as a top heavyweight fighter. March 8 will reveal whether Ngannou’s success against Fury was a fluke or a sign of his true potential in the boxing ring.
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