By Gabriel Princewill-
The boxing world is abuzz with anticipation as Anthony Joshua prepares to go toe-to-toe with Francis Ngannou in the captivating main event set to unfold in Riyadh this weekend.
Joshua will deserve so much credit if he stops the former UFC champion, who is rated as the biggest puncher in the world, and will come to the ring with fire in his belly on Friday, determined to do a number on Joshua. He has he fire power to clean Joshua out, and may just well do so.
The clash, taking place amidst Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning boxing scene, promises to be an electrifying spectacle.
Joshua, fresh off the back of three successive victories since his two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, enters the ring with a renewed sense of purpose. The 34-year-old British heavyweight sensation has his sights set firmly on victory, understanding the pivotal importance of triumphing over the formidable Ngannou.
It is a different type of challenge for Joshua a this juncture of his career- one that could prove very rewarding or costly.
Ngannou- a former UFC heavyweight champion,-made waves in the boxing world with his debut match against Tyson Fury last October. In a jaw-dropping display of power, Ngannou sent shockwaves through the arena by dropping the Gypsy King in the third round.
Although he ultimately succumbed to a contentious decision, Ngannou’s performance showcased his raw talent and knockout potential. Many observers believe he won the fight, although boxing purists acknowledge that Fury legitimately won a landslide decision, albeit marginally.
Now, with just one professional boxing bout under his belt, the 37-year-old Cameroonian powerhouse is poised to seize the spotlight once again.
Armed with his devastating punching power and unwavering determination, Ngannou aims to deliver a knockout blow that will reverberate throughout the boxing world.
For Joshua, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Ngannou posing a significant threat, the former two-time unified champion understands the importance of emerging victorious.
Having originally intended to face Deontay Wilder, Joshua now finds himself confronting a different kind of challenge in Ngannou.
The significance of this bout for Joshua extends beyond mere competition; and serves as a statement of the Londoner’s resilience and determination to reclaim his status among boxing’s elite.
With a string of impressive victories under his belt, Joshua is eager to prove that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. Given his broader ring experience, he is a far more sound technical boxer than Ngannou, and also likely to be physically fitter.
Anthony Joshua will deserve much credit if he emerges victorious
The former world heavyweight champion is the betting favourite for good reason, but victory is no given against a man with the formidable punching power of the Cameroonian.
Ngannou has something to prove and has no doubt been buoyed by his impressive performance against Fury in his first professional bout. With determination and a renewed spirit, there is every chance and likelihood he will knock Joshua’s lights out and take his spot for future world title contention.
Dangerous powerhouse: Francis Ngannou is biggest puncher alive
The decision to accept the fight against Ngannou may prove to have been an imprudent won if Joshua is eventually laid out by the imposing force of the former UFC champion, which cannot be said to be a farfetched probability.
An emphatic victory for Joshua will go a long way to restoring a lot of the credibility he lost after losing to Andy Ruiz Jnr and twice to Usyk.
Joshua vs. Ngannou promises to be a spectacle of epic proportions, a battle where only one can emerge victorious.