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Heavyweight Contender Vows To ‘Kick Anthony Joshua’s A’: “I’m Obsessed With Him”

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Anthony Joshua is in high demand amongst heavyweight contenders, with a win providing a mega payday and a seat at the division’s top table. Some just want to ‘kick his ass.’

The two-time world champion is currently on the up. Following two losses to now-undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, ‘AJ’ has been on a run of four wins, each more impressive than the last.

With potentially a few years left before retirement, the Brit’s current goal is to win the world title once more. He would also like the fight against countryman Tyson Fury and potentially a third crack at Usyk.

If there’s a desire to settle any bad blood, he may just look to Jarrell Miller. The American was set to welcome AJ to New York back in 2019 before testing positive for numerous banned substances. He was pulled from the fight and replaced by Andy Ruiz, who handed Joshua his first loss.

Speaking on the Mics podcast, Miller explained when and why he first became ‘obsessed’ with the career of Joshua.“I’m good at reading people … I Googled him and I got obsessed with watching all of his interviews, because he was an Olympian and I watch all Olympic fights. They gave him two [wins] even when he lost in London, they gave him the Gold Medial.

I’m like you give this guy too much, he’s a good fighter but he’s not super great. I’m like aight, this the guy I’m gonna aim at. He kept winning so I’m coming for his head.”

He then confidently predicted that the fight would happen one day, believing he is only one of a few opponents Joshua can really sell a fight with.

“Don’t get it messed up, I’m obsessed with kicking his ass though. That’s gonna happen one of these days … There’s not a lot of fights for him to be in that are gonna be blockbusters.”

Following that interview, ‘Big Baby’ was defeated by Daniel Dubois. He has since confirmed ‘AJ’ is still on his hit-list, and has a fight against the Brit’s previous opponent Ruiz on August 3 to prove he deserves it.

Joshua will return in September, potentially against Dubois for a vacant world title.

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Lennox Lewis Knows The Reason For Anthony Joshua’s Resurgence: “It’s Transformed Him”

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It’s no secret that Lennox Lewis and Anthony Joshua haven’t always seen eye to eye.

Former undisputed champion and widely revered all-time great Lewis has had plenty to say about Joshua in the past. Even as recently as ahead of his last fight in March, Lewis poured scorn on ‘AJ’ for choosing an opponent he thought had ‘no credibility’ in Francis Ngannou.

Regardless of that, ‘AJ’ scored an impressive knockout win over the former MMA star to complete four solid victories in a year with two of the other three also being stoppages against Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin.

The most recent wins came with new coach Ben Davison in ‘AJ’s corner – the man many are crediting with turning his form around after the back-to-back losses he took to Oleksandr Usyk.

Speaking to Boxing King Media, Lewis was asked if he saw improvements in Joshua under Davison and pinpointed his ‘winning mentality’ as the key factor for the change around.

“I think his transformation in his last couple of fights was his winning mentality.

I see it in him, he’s more focused, he’s more serious, so I’m happy he has a good guy in his corner that can give him good information that he can work off.”

It is widely tipped that Joshua will be out next against Daniel Dubois in September when the pair could potentially battle it out for the vacant IBF title as he attempts to become a three-time world champion.

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Former Heavyweight Champion Has No Doubt Anthony Joshua Would Knockout Tyson Fury

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The teams of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are adamant that the two will star in an all-British heavyweight clash before retirement.

Fans are a little more skeptical given the fight has failed to cross the line on a number of occasions, but with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season now dictating the heavyweight division, and doing so through top matchmaking, it becomes a little more likely.

The two former champions have both now been relieved of their belts by Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian took Joshua’s unified titles back in 2021 and became undisputed this year by winning Fury’s WBC.

Although Fury has a contracted rematch clause – as did ‘AJ’ back in 2022, a second loss – the Joshua fight will be there next year and it’s last chance saloon to make it.

Should it happen, the man credited with causing the biggest upset the heavyweight division has ever seen, James Buster Douglas, backed ‘AJ’ to score the stoppage in an interview with Gambling Zone.

“Right now I think AJ beats Fury. It’s not that Fury is on the decline, he just no longer has that strength to withstand that force. Once you start putting your punches together, he tends to get weak as the fight goes on and his power levels start faltering.

It’s a strong possibility that AJ would knock Fury out, I think he would. He would definitely take Fury out. It would not go the distance, AJ would knock him out.”

Douglas, who shocked the world when he knocked Mike Tyson out in 1990 to become undisputed, believes that this generation of heavyweights pales in comparison to his own.

“I speak to my trainer about today’s heavyweights and he has a low opinion of them and says they [Fury and AJ] wouldn’t have been in the top 30 in my era, I have to agree. They have skills, but as far as endurance, I don’t know. They don’t seem to be able to withstand power and aggressiveness.”

Fury rematches Usyk on December 21 this year. Joshua will return in September at Wembley Stadium with an opponent set to be announced at a London press conference on June 26.

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Anthony Joshua in line for undisputed title shot against Fury-Usyk winner

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Anthony Joshua is set to get a shot at becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion by facing the winner of the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

In an interview with The Sun, Hearn stated, “I expect the winner of the December fight to fight Anthony Joshua if he wins in September. There’s no decision yet made on the opponent, there are three or four in the mix. But yeah, that’s the absolute plan.”

Joshua, who last fought in March when he brutally knocked out Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, is expected to take on Daniel Dubois in September at Wembley Stadium. Dubois recently won the IBF ‘interim’ belt by stopping Filip Hrgovic.

“The first priority is to regain the world heavyweight title and obviously undisputed’s always been the dream. So I think we’re two fights away from becoming undisputed. But, we’ve got to win them,” Hearn added.

In their initial meeting last month, Usyk defeated Fury via split decision to become the first boxer since Lennox Lewis in 1999 to unify the heavyweight division. The Ukrainian’s victory saw him claim the WBC title from Fury, adding to his WBA (Super), WBO, IBF, and IBO belts.

According to a report by Dailymail, promoter Frank Warren confirmed that discussions are ongoing for a potential Joshua-Dubois clash, stating, “Daniel Dubois proved all his doubters wrong and won the IBF ‘interim’ belt. He hopefully will be fighting AJ in the autumn, we’re working on that. He did well. We would love it to be in the UK, they’re two Brits, it would be a great fight to put on at Wembley.”

Should Joshua overcome Dubois, he will be in line to face either Fury or Usyk in a bid to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, even if the Gypsy King gains revenge on the Ukrainian to set up a potential trilogy.

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Joshua classier than Fury – Usyk

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World heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, has compared Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury after beating both fighters tagging the British-Nigerian the classier fighter of the two, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Usyk won the undisputed heavyweight world titles last month when he beat Fury in their historic fight. Their rematch was expected to take place in October but has since been pushed back to December 21.

The Ukrainian has two wins over Joshua as he won the unified belts from the 34-year-old in September 2021 and defended them in their rematch the following year.

Usyk gave a funny comparison when talking about his wins against Joshua and Fury as he told Three Knockdown Rule, “Anthony Joshua has classy boxing.

“Greedy Belly, my friend Tyson Fury. It’s like sparkling water, when you open it without shaking it’s good. If you shake it, it [blows]. Sparkling water is Tyson Fury and still water is Anthony Joshua. Tyson’s arms are like two metres, like a rope.”

Usyk admitted he doesn’t want to think about boxing at the moment after spending eight months preparing for Fury. Their fight was pushed back several times and cancelled on just days notice when Fury was cut above his eye in February.

Usyk surprisingly snubbed Fury whilst revealing the hardest puncher he has ever faced saying, “I would say toughest fight, yes, but I think biggest punch, no.

“Derek Chisora, very tough guy. With Derek, I don’t remember which hand if it was left or fight but I would block it and it would be like a baseball bat. It was very dangerous.”

Usyk is expected to lose his undisputed status and be stripped of his IBF belt in the coming weeks so the title can be on the line for Joshua’s UK return in September. The Ukrainian’s manager disagrees with the governing body’s decision and wants to see all four belts on the line again for Usyk and Fury’s second fight.

“We’re waiting for a decision to be made,” Klimas told Boxing Scene.

“I think it’s more important for Tyson Fury now. Oleksandr, of course, is a two-time unified champion and if the next fight is just for the three belts, I don’t think it’s going to be fair for either of the two guys, either Tyson or for Oleksandr.”

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Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Deontay Wilder: How do things stand in boxing’s heavyweight division?

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What next for AJ? Where does Deontay Wilder fit into the landscape? We take a quick look at the current heavyweight picture ahead of another big weekend of boxing; the live action continues on Sky Sports on June 15 when Chris Billam-Smith faces Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park

The modern heavyweight division is at the peak of its powers as it parades a long-awaited undisputed champion while pitting some of boxing’s marquee names against one another.

The belts belong to a worthy ruler in Oleksandr Usyk, behind whom lies a Tyson Fury-spearheaded chasing pack of both established and upcoming heavyweight challengers seeking to leave a dent in knockout proceedings.

Fury and Usyk II

Let’s start with the top of the heavyweight tree. Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. So nice, they are having to do it twice.

Usyk completed a mission spanning two decades in Saudi Arabia earlier this month when he defeated Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era and the first since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 1999. It followed up supremacy at cruiserweight to further cement his status as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

The masterful Ukrainian weathered a Fury storm over a gruelling first half of the fight before finding his breakthrough at the midway point and following up with a stunning ninth round, in which he was seconds away from stopping the rocked Gypsy King.

It had been public knowledge that a rematch clause was included in the contract, with it being announced this week that the pair will meet again on December 21. Win again and Usyk would have nothing more to prove. As for Fury, there may be one more AJ-shaped domino to fall, regardless of the result later this year.

AJ awaits… but with who?

An explosive Anthony Joshua has reignited his knockout exploits and clobbered his way back into title contention after shaking off the effects of back-to-back defeats to Usyk.

Joshua will be in attendance to watch Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois fight as part of this Saturday’s 5 vs 5 event in Saudi Arabia, the winner awaiting as a potential opponent for the former unified world champion later this year. That, however, could also depend on whether Usyk is forced to vacate the IBF belt, for which Joshua and one of Hrgovic or Dubois would likely be in line to contend.

The Olympic champion is riding the momentum of his stunning knockout victory over Francis Ngannou, having also beaten Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin in statement stoppages to close out 2023. Hrgovic is a perfect 17-0 as a professional after knocking out Mark de Mori in the first round in December, while Dubois is 20-2 following his 10th-round stoppage win over Jarrell Miller late last year.

Joshua will take either, especially should a chance to become a three-time world champion arise. But he will also feel he has larger fish to fry.

And then… Fury?

If the ‘Battle of Britain’ is ever going to happen, 2025 feels like the window. Both Joshua and Fury have long-maintained their desire to deliver fans one of the biggest heavyweight dust-ups in British boxing history, but so far numerous attempts to make the fight have fallen agonisingly short.

Joshua and Fury were seemingly set to meet in 2021 after reportedly signing the contract, before Fury was ordered to meet Deontay Wilder in the third fight of their dramatic trilogy. The two then verbally agreed to fight following Joshua’s rematch defeat to Usyk in 2022, before a fight failed to materialise as the Londoner enjoyed a period of recovery.

Joshua reiterated his intentions to face Fury after demolishing former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou earlier this year, where Fury had been watching on in Saudi Arabia ahead of his fight against Usyk, in the build-up to which Fury himself would allude to facing Joshua next once. It feels as close as ever, but there is first a matter of the undisputed rematch to contend with later this year.

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum recently told Sky Sports that Fury remains keen on fighting Joshua in 2025, highlighting Wembley Stadium as the ideal venue. We will see.

Where does Wilder fit in?

It feels like something of a climax moment for the current crop of heavyweight frontrunners as challengers seek to cling onto their last hopes of staying in the mix. Deontay Wilder is among the aforementioned.

 

The Bronze Bomber is under no illusions as to what might be at stake for him when he takes on Zhilei Zhang in a battle of devastating punch power this weekend. Lose, and that might be it. Win, and win in style, and a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua potentially resurfaces having been scuppered by his shock loss to Joseph Parker.

A punishing trilogy with Fury combined with a long period of inactivity had Wilder looking a shade of his destructive self in a unanimous decision loss to the New Zealander, as many cast doubt over his chances of overcoming the threat of Zhang. But that right hand has built a reputation deserving of the utmost respect, and can never be written off.

Top Rank boss Arum identified Wilder as a possible next opponent for Jared Anderson as they look to progress the promising career of the young rising American star. But beating Zhang is no formality, and they know it.

The Parker party goes on

Hello, resurgent Joseph Parker. Rarely is the heavyweight landscape blessed with simplicity or logic, and now here is Parker to throw yet another spanner in the works as he vies for another world title shot.

The 32-year-old upset Wilder with a career-best performance in December to announce his revival, before overcoming a knockdown against Zhang to claim a majority decision win that positions him as the WBO mandatory challenger.

Parker has taken to social media to call out both Joshua and Dillian Whyte in recent months, eager to capitalise on what is showing the traits of being his prime. By virtue of both his form and still young age, you have to feel he is on his way to another title opportunity.

Kabayel’s rise

Agit Kabayel might be one to watch. The German has just knocked out both Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez to improve his record to 25-0, the latter of which had served as a WBC final eliminator that leaves him on the brink of fighting for a world title.

Logic would point towards a shot at Fury or Usyk once their rematch is settle; logic doesn’t always prevail in boxing, particularly given the likelihood of Fury and Usyk’s careers looking elsewhere, be it Joshua or retirement.

What else is going on?

Joe Joyce has ambitions of relaunching a late surge towards the world stage when he takes on Derek Chisora this summer amid his fightback from successive defeats to Zhang. Martin Bakole sits as the No 1 challenger in the WBA rankings, while Dillian Whyte remains on a comeback trail of his own.

Interesting storylines continue to emerge at bridgerweight as Lawrence Okolie closes in on the heavyweight division following his emphatic first-round knockout of Lukasz Rozanski in Poland. The former cruiserweight world champion is seemingly in line to face mandatory bridgerweight challenger Kevin Lerena, but appears destined to make the step up.

And while Frazer Clarke and Fabio Wardley await news of their next steps following a fight of the year contender, 19-year-old Moses Itauma is just getting started as one of the most frightening prospects in boxing with ambitions of becoming the youngest ever heavyweight world champion.

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Francis Ngannou’s current physique ahead of Anthony Joshua fight

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Francis Ngannou

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou looks to be in the shape of his life as he prepares for his fight with Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that is slated to take place on the 8th of March.

The former MMA superstar turned heavyweight boxer is looking absolutely shredded, signalling his intent to really make an impact within the boxing world. This will be the Cameroonian’s second professional boxing fight after he controversially lost to Tyson Fury in a split decision back in October 2023. This was despite knocking down the WBC champion in round three, as well as coming across a lot better than his opponent on the night.

Ngannou is set to fight Joshua after AJ’s proposed fight with Deontay Wilder fell through following the American’s defeat to Joseph Parker on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card just two days before Christmas. On the very same night, one fight later, Joshua himself beat Swede Otto Wallin via corner retirement.

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Francis Ngannou claims that Anthony Joshua doesn’t ‘have the strength’ to win their highly-anticipated Saudi clash…

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Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou has claimed that Anthony Joshua doesn’t ‘have the strength’ to win their upcoming boxing clash.

Ngannou is set to face Joshua in Saudi Arabia on March 8, after the Brit’s bout with Deontay Wilder fell through after the American’s defeat to Joseph Parker at the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card.

Wilder’s defeat opened the door for former UFC champion Ngannou to take on Joshua, despite having lost the only professional boxing fight of his career.

Ngannou, 37, fell to a split decision defeat against heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a thrilling 10-round clash back in October, where he also scored an impressive knockdown.

Despite the loss, the Cameroonian is clearly full of confidence heading into the bout with Joshua and issued a chilling warning to the British star on the High Performance Podcast.

During his appearance on the show, Ngannou said: ‘Never say never. Nothing is impossible. We don’t know the strength of Anthony Joshua.
Anthony Joshua

‘Even though I don’t believe he has that strength, we’re going to find out. In two months, we’re going to find out. I’m going to be the one taking his soul’.

The former UFC star has been adamant that he’ll be victorious against Joshua and even fired back at the Brit’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, in a recent interview.

Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn said he expects his fighter, Joshua, to knock Ngannou out during their match.

He told MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani: ‘I feel like he’s earned that shot – or certainly to continue at that level. And I fancy the fight.

‘You’ve heard me say before, I really believe AJ knocks him out. But he’s a dangerous fight. I know that this guy’s a big, big lump that can really punch, and I think he has no fear, which makes him dangerous’.

As reported by The Mirror, Ngannou fired back: ‘Eddie is a promoter, that’s like a routine for me. It’s deja vu, he said the same thing all of the time just not about Francis Ngannou but about somebody else. That’s how he talks and what he does’.

Elsewhere, during his appearance on the High Performance Podcast, Ngannou offered inspirational advice and also reflected on his journey from African to Europe.

He said: ‘The only person that will help you and change your life is you. It’s not somebody who helped me or anybody that help me that make me who I am.

‘Because, if you are a stupid person, they can help you as much as they want. You won’t do anything. Your life depends on you.

‘I made it in Europe inside a zodiac. The small inflatable zodiac. It was nine of us. [I did it for] The dream. I’d rather have a life without dream instead of having a dream without life.

‘You seen all those people that have been rescued or died in the ocean every day. They know all the stories, they know all the worst thing that is happening there, that you have no idea. But they have no choice’.

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“You’ll See MMA Champs Trying to…” – Future of Francis Ngannou-like Ambitious Crossover With Anthony Joshua Revealed by Sean O’Connell (Exclusive)

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Anthony Joshua

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.

Anthony Joshua

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.

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AJ will pay for Eagles win, boasts Cameroonians

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Anthony Joshua

Still reeling from the excitement of the Super Eagles’ victory over Cameroon at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, fans have now shifted attention to another highly anticipated showdown – the boxing match between Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua and Cameroon-born fighter Francis Ngannou, which some have dubbed ‘Nigeria vs Cameroon Part 2’, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Though no belts will officially be on the line when Joshua steps into the ring with Ngannou in March, fans from both countries are anxiously awaiting the clash.

The heightened anticipation for this boxing match stems from the desire for national bragging rights following the Eagles’ 2-0 win over the Indomitable Lions in the round of 16 of the AFCON, which sent Rigobert Song’s men out of the competition.

While the recent football victory fuels the friendly banter, it also adds an element of revenge for Ngannou, who may seek to avenge Cameroon’s loss in the ring.

Expressing a mix of national pride and friendly banter, social media posts have amplified the significance of this match, making it more than just a boxing bout.

On their part, the Cameroonians voiced their opinions on social media, saying Joshua will pay for the Indomitable Lions painful defeat to the Eagles.

Anthony Joshua

Jude Asahmbom III warned on Facebook, “It is Anthony Joshua that will suffer the consequences.”

Another Cameroonian Beardedzz posted, “Let Anthony Joshua just prepare himself to end up at a Hospital. Ngannou will unleash our anger on him.”

Random Girl wrote, “If Francis wins this one, Africa no go contain all of us again.”

Scheduled for Friday, March 8 in Saudi Arabia, the heavyweight bout between Joshua and Ngannou, labelled ‘Knockout Chaos,’ promises an electrifying showdown.

Trust Nigerians, they gave it back to their neighbours in equal fold.

An X user, Sports Doctor said, “Anthony Joshua, this fight is now more than just your fight, it’s ‘Nigeria vs Cameroon’ part 2. No gree for Francis Ngannou oooh.”

Another user, Lawrence Okoro, humorously speculated, “Somebody say na Anthony Joshua go suffer this beating wey Nigeria dey beat Cameroon.”

Austin added, “If I were Anthony Joshua, I’m cancelling that fight with Francis Ngannou. Make one man no pay for national beef.”

King Mmesoma also wrote, “Make Joshua con do mistake win. E don be for them. We go drag them for second leg.”

An X user with the name Pisces tweeted, “Aj has beaten one Takam to pulp blue-black so Francis own will be frankly dealt with. Then we pepper them out of X.”

Elder Agbo Chigozie also taunted Nigeria’s neighbours.

“Cameroon go still chop beating from Joshua.”

Ready for another war of words, kayzywizzzy wrote, “If Anthony wins, this app no go contain us, them go too chop dragging.”

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