When I watched Francis Ngannou’s fight against Tyson Fury at home in October, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
Some people said it was a gimmick, an MMA fighter in his first boxing bout against a serious heavyweight opponent, but I, like everyone else, quickly realised that, man, Ngannou was there to fight. He still is.
I don’t think anyone predicted him flooring Fury in the third round, but I was more impressed by his movement and overall handling of the fight than the power of his punching. Clearly, the guy meant business as a boxer and, for me and a lot of people, I thought he won that particular fight on the night, despite the judges going with Fury.
What came out of it was the realisation from everyone that this guy is a serious boxer, and I hope he stays in the sport, because he can go on to do some great things.
I’m relishing the challenge of facing him and it’s a fun match-up: two big punchers going toe to toe. It’s apt they’re calling it ‘Knockout Chaos’.
I’m not universally sure of the credibility of MMA fighters making the move to boxing. I don’t include Ngannou in that: he’s serious, very respectful of the sport and I like the guy.
Is he a world-class fighter? It’s hard to say after just a few rounds in a boxing ring. He certainly has the potential to deliver on such a description, but I believe you need time in this game before anyone can properly label you truly world-class.
That’s not to say I’m underestimating him. As I’ve said, he’s impressed me and we know he packs a punch. I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s funny preparing for this fight. Usually, there’s so much footage to look over from past bouts, but me and my team have got just one fight to look at. But there are the MMA clashes we’ve gone through to get an understanding of what’s to come. From what we’ve seen, I know where the jab is coming from, the hook, the uppercut, I’m ready for what he’ll throw at me — more ready than Tyson Fury was, that’s for sure.
You want excitement in this division and I like to think Ngannou brings that. He’s different, he’s fun, he loves what he’s doing and he’s got people talking, which is what you want in heavyweight boxing.
He has motivated me to raise my game yet again from my last three wins, against Jermaine Franklin Jr, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin. I like the idea of stepping up each time and, despite his relative inexperience, it again feels like a step up.
Read More
Saying that, does he worry me? No, not particularly. I have the skills to outbox him and I also have the ability to knock him out. That’s what I’m aiming to do, to get the job done before time. You always have to have that mentality when you enter the ring.
There has been a lot of talk in the lead-up to the fight, there always is. People say I’m finished if I lose but, as I always say, talk is cheap. Plus, I won’t be the loser on the night, far from it. For me, there’s only ever one result.
Physically and mentally, I feel strong, certainly strong enough to get this fight done. If it’s a war, then I’m ready for that, too. I’m looking forward to showing the boxing world what I’m all about. Make sure you tune in to see it unfold.
Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight showdown with Francis Ngannou takes place in Riyadh on Friday, live on Sky Sports Box Office.