In an exclusive Face Off interview for DAZN, Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou have shared insights into their upcoming heavyweight showdown on March 8 in Saudi Arabia, marking one of the most eagerly awaited matches in recent memory. Joshua, aged 34, acknowledges the fight against Ngannou as the most significant challenge of his career.
Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has set his sights on Joshua following Deontay Wilder's loss to Joseph Parker last December, seizing the opportunity to transition from mixed martial arts to boxing. His previous bout, a closely contested loss to Tyson Fury, has notably shifted perceptions of Ngannou's boxing capabilities, demonstrating his power by flooring Fury during the match.
Initially skeptical, Joshua once regarded a potential fight with Ngannou as a “gimmick fight,” questioning the legitimacy of crossing combat sports while he pursued heavyweight boxing glory. However, the circumstances surrounding Fury's fight with Ngannou and the subsequent developments in the heavyweight division have changed Joshua’s perspective, now viewing the upcoming bout as a pivotal moment in his career.
Watch Joshua vs. Ngannou face off: Watch
Joshua, trained by Ben Davison, expressed his respect for Ngannou's resilience and skills, especially after pushing Fury to the limit. He dismissed any notions of surprise at Ngannou's performance against Fury, emphasizing his own research and preparation for the fight. The conversation between Joshua and Ngannou remained respectful, with both fighters discussing their punch resilience and expectations for the fight.
Ngannou aspires to achieve a knockout victory but remains focused on the challenge itself rather than the outcome. He regards his foray into boxing as a significant crossover, facing two of the top heavyweight boxers in his first two fights. Joshua, on his part, remains focused on his path back to the heavyweight titles, viewing the Ngannou fight as a crucial step toward regaining championship glory.
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