Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou is set to face Anthony Joshua in a highly anticipated heavyweight bout in Riyadh, with both fighters showing determination to win.
Francis Ngannou is gearing up for a heavyweight boxing contest against Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the fight scheduled for Friday. Ngannou, a former UFC champion who showed commendable performance against Tyson Fury last year, anticipates an upset against Joshua, who is the favourite to win. Despite Joshua’s status, Ngannou perceives signs of nervousness in his opponent during the pre-fight promotional activities.
Joshua, aged 34, refrained from participating in pad work at a promotional event, choosing instead to shadow box and offering the spotlight to young local boxers. This act was part of Joshua’s effort to provide a platform for upcoming talent. Ngannou, 37, interpreted Joshua’s demeanor as a hint of anxiety, contrasting with his own relaxed attitude during the event.
Both fighters have expressed their determination to win, with Joshua focusing on the fight and downplaying the pre-fight banter by stating, “Talk is cheap.” Ngannou is not deterred by his underdog status and aims to disrupt Joshua’s potential future matchups, including possible fights against Filip Hrgovic, Tyson Fury, or Oleksandr Usyk.
The boxing community is keenly awaiting the outcome of the bout as both athletes finalize their preparations. Ngannou’s confidence and previous performance suggest a competitive match ahead, while Joshua’s experience and favouritism paint an intriguing picture of the clash in Riyadh.
