Anthony Joshua is all set to take on Francis Ngannou on March 8th in Riyad, Saudi Arabia. Ngannou recently made his boxing debut when he took on Tyson Fury in October. Ngannou shocked everyone when he put on a show against the champion and nearly won the fight.
Joshua, the former heavyweight champion, had a turbulent 2023 but is now back to winning ways. In a recent exclusive interview, Sean O’Connell shared his thoughts regarding the upcoming battle. Ngannou has smoothly transitioned from MMA to boxing, and O’Connell feels many MMA fighters will follow in his footsteps.
MMA fighters will find it easy to make a switch to boxing feels O’ Connell
When Francis Ngannou took center stage against Tyson Fury, many felt the fight would end soon. However, the former UFC heavyweight champion brought out his best and took the fight to the champion. While Ngannou lost the fight via decision, many felt the decision was incorrect. O’Connell feels the switch from MMA to boxing will be a common sight in the future.
In an exclusive interview, O’Connell said: “Francis is such a unique talent and individual that it’s hard to project his journey and success onto other careers. But I am excited to see him against Joshua. He proved all of his doubters wrong with his performance against Tyson Fury, and the boxing world took notice. For Joshua to take this risk is all the proof you need of Francis’ star power. Coming off a win, he had plenty of options, but chose the Francis fight because it’s the most intriguing and most lucrative. Until MMA paydays regularly mirror what top fighters can make for these boxing mega-fights, you’ll see MMA champs trying to cross over.
I am most intrigued by the growing conversation around boxing stars being willing to fight in MMA, or at least in hybrid rules fights. That’s how the fans figure out who the true “baddest on the planet” is. “
While Ngannou may have impressed everyone with his performance against Fury, his next opponent is a force to reckon with inside the ring. Joshua is one of the complete fighters, and taking him on will be a tough challenge. And the former champion is back to winning ways at the right moment.
Anthony Joshua set to take on Francis Ngannou next
At the beginning of 2023, Anthony Joshua looked like a completely different fighter when he lost his title to Oleksandr Usyk. Not only did he lose his title fight, but he also failed to win his rematch against Usyk. However, “AJ” has completely turned around his fortunes and is now a completely different boxer. He is fresh from a victory against Otto Wallin and will look to reclaim his lost title soon.
Joshua previously was scheduled to take on Deontay Wilder at the same venue. However, he chose to take on Ngannou after Wilder lost his fight with Joseph Parker. ‘ The Predator’ is ready to feature in his second professional bout against top contenders in boxing. After an impressive debut Ngannou will look to register his first professional win against Joshua. Who will win the battle on March 8th? Let us know in the comments below.
