Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight picked apart by Ariel Helwani
Boxing and MMA journalist Ariel Helwani breaks down the showdown between Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, now taking place on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After leaving the UFC over financial concerns, claiming he was not treated fairly, Ngannou turned his attention to boxing, facing WBC and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury last October.
The debutant caused a monumental ruckus after dropping his vastly experienced opponent in the third round of their contest, and then insisting that he was robbed of an upset victory on points.
Based off that performance, Helwani anticipates a highly competitive matchup between Ngannou and two-time heavyweight champion Joshua.
Speaking to Boxing Social, he said: “I actually love AJ, and I’ve been watching AJ since the Olympics. I had him on the show [The MMA Hour] back in January and it was a delight; it was an amazing experience.
“I’m not rooting for anyone, I just love to see good stories and I love to see good things happen to good people – and I believe Francis is a good person, who has been crapped on and kicked while people thought he was down. Meanwhile, he was building up this whole, incredible afterlife post-UFC.
“After he fought Tyson [Fury], I said the next fight was AJ. After AJ fought Otto Wallin, I said the next fight was Francis.
“I know a lot of people wanted to see [Deontay] Wilder-Joshua, as did I, but I wanted to see Joshua-Ngannou more, and here we are.”
Ngannou is being given a second opportunity to showcase his boxing credentials after former WBC champion Wilder – who was earmarked to face Joshua – lost to New Zealander Josph Parker in a heavyweight upset last December.
Now, Joshua and Ngannou will soon trade blows for a shot at the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – taking place for the undisputed championship on May 18.