How can someone with the structure of Francis Ngannou mysteriously join in the fisticuffs? It's right there, staring you in the face, no veil of his threat, no secrets about where the danger lies. And the mystery still remains. A clear “if” remains.
Perhaps the challenges facing Anthony Joshua are overstated? Maybe having too much Ngannou power stock is to Joshua's detriment? Perhaps Joshua will quit his opponent as he has nothing to do with boxing? Maybe he won't. Perhaps Ngannou's story will take a new historical turn.
Either way, there's no denying the weight of the UFC star's split decision loss to Tyson Fury in October and the emphatic three-round knockdown that capped off Friday's main event so beautifully since then. What if he hits Joshua with his left hand the same way? And what if he just barely puts a glove on Joshua? stay tuned.
The combat aesthetic is perfectly carved. You turn to your right and stare at Francis Ngannou, awed by the cannon-wielding colossus smiling through the camera lens. Then I looked to my left and noticed Anthony Joshua was even bigger and twice as fast as him. It has quite a double meaning.
There is one big opportunity. What if Ngannou lands the only big shot? Does he have multiple big shots to trouble Joshua? He's a plot proposition, carved like a god, and exudes the confidence of a man who truly believes he's worthy of this stage.
Ngannou's trainer Dewey Cooper said multiple times this week that “Francis' fiery, ferocious fists will finish off Anthony Joshua.”
Matthew Macklin forwarded Wladimir Klitschko as perhaps the closest comparison in terms of Joshua's previous opponents of similar size to Ngannou. Andy Clarke said Ngannou's default instinct to match fire with fire if caught in Joshua's shot was that his success against A.J. was based on his ability to throw back quickly after injury Andy Ruiz Jr. He suggested that it may be similar to the instinct of
And then there may be some confusion staring at Joshua. I hurt him, so what? Will the former unified world champion pounce on an injured Ngannou in search of a finish, knowing it is in his opponent's nature to fight back with revenge? Or is he limiting his aggressiveness and keeping his distance longer to wear out his rival in later rounds?
“We look at the size, the size, the weight. The size of the guy, the natural freak, a big, strong unit,” said Sky Sports Boxing's Jonny Nelson. “He may not be as fast as Fury, but everything else is proportional.
“I don't think AJ can hurt him or knock him out. Everything about Ngannou speaks to the hard work etched all over him. All you're looking for is punching power. None of us think he's going to do anything other than land one powerful shot, but that's how Joshua reacts to that shot.
“Even if AJ gets hurt, you have to keep your ego in check and not get greedy or giddy.”
Joshua overcame his setback against Oleksandr Usyk to score brutal knockout wins over Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin, and his speed, boxing footwork and ring skills make him a fresh start in world title territory. He boasts an elite cocktail of IQ, stamina, shot selection, and combination work.
Fury also arrived with great boxing knowledge and experience in dominating opponents, only to run into an undaunted and ungoverned Ngannou. The UFC champion saw Fury's feints and moves and responded with a world-stopping knockdown. He couldn't finish it then. Can I do it now?
“We told him we were going to quit Tyson, and he knew it and said so,” Ngannou's trainer Dewey Cooper said.
“Francis gave 80 percent, we held 20 percent and took the safe route. If it had been a six-round fight, we would have said, 'Go get Francis!'” But 10 It was a round.
“We had to play it safe. It was his first game. That won't be the case this time.”
Ngannou will naturally preach improved boxing ability, but his power will once again be an undeniable ally on Friday. Fury recalled landing a full flush shot and even an elbow on Ngannou during last year's fight, but a brick wall refused to budge.
Now it's Joshua's turn. He may not have as much deception as Fury, but we believe he packs a more powerful punch.
Joshua's trainer Ben Davison said: “Maybe there was a false sense of confidence from the last fight. I think it's going to be a completely different situation.” “We have prepared for him respectfully and professionally.
“Last time no one knew what would happen and everyone was negative, but now we know that is not the case.Certainly, we can say that last time we gained a lot of experience, but still I think it will be a new experience.”
Mr. Ngannou wants to destroy the party in various ways. To fulfill his childhood dream, he steps from MMA to boxing, demands an audience with the world champion, and is on the verge of the biggest dethroning in history.
Now he takes on Joshua with the ambition of dealing yet another devastating blow to the long-held prospects of an all-British showdown with Fury. But steely-eyed AJ this week cut out a reluctant man in an unlikely storyline.
“I've never seen him throw punches with such ferocity and confidence. I believe he's the best heavyweight in the world,” said Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn. “I believe he will become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
“We respect Francis and what he did, and even though we didn't give him a chance against Fury, we thought he was sensational. He earned everyone's respect that night.”
“You know he had success against Tyson Fury and he's confident going forward. He's a real fighter in and out of the ring. On Friday night, we sent him out of a boxing match. I have to let it happen.”
Knockout Chaos' billing would be fitting for a clash between two of the meanest hitters on the planet.
Joshua improved to 27-3, riding on new momentum and handing the title back to Usyk, knowing a win could still open the door to an undisputed world title shot. It may have felt far away at times. Meanwhile, Ngannou steps into the ring for the second time as a professional, and the boxing world is anxiously watching to see how he builds on his incredible debut performance against Fury.
The riad is ready. I'm not sure exactly what it's for.
The heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office on Friday, March 8, with the main event scheduled to take place around 11pm. Book now!
When will the match be held? How can I make a reservation?
The event starts at 4pm on Friday 8 March on Sky Sports Box Office (Sky Channel 491) and Sky Sports Box Office HD (Sky Channel 492). The event is priced at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK and €24.95 for Sky customers in the Republic of Ireland until midnight on Thursday 7th March.
From then on all 'self-service' bookings (remote control/online) will cost £19.95 / €24.95, those booked by phone (IVR or agent) will cost £24.95 / €29.95, but additional charges apply if booked via an agent. Please note that there is a £2 booking fee. Apply.
Event prices will revert to £19.95 / €24.95 (ROI) from midnight on Friday 8th March. Two re-screenings (full run) will be shown on Saturday, March 9th at 6am and 4pm.
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