As the excitement builds for the upcoming battle between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia on March 8, the spotlight intensifies on how this matchup may differ from Ngannou’s boxing debut against Tyson Fury last year.
While Fury remains a formidable opponent and won that bout via a somewhat controversial split decision, there are crucial factors that suggest Anthony Joshua could pose an even tougher challenge for Ngannou than the ‘Gypsy King’.
‘AJ’ is the overwhelming favourite in the Francis Ngannou vs Anthony Joshua odds, and here are some of the reasons why he may prove a different kettle of fish to Fury.
Technical boxing prowess
Joshua, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, is a seasoned and technically proficient boxer with an Olympic gold medal to his name.
Unlike Tyson Fury, whose style is more elusive and unpredictable, Joshua relies on a solid foundation of traditional boxing techniques.
This technical prowess could pose a challenge for Ngannou, as Joshua’s disciplined approach and precise combinations may be more difficult to read and counter than Fury’s unorthodox movements.
Heightened defensive skills
One of Joshua’s strengths lies in his defensive capabilities, a facet of his game that distinguishes him from Fury.
While Fury is known for his exceptional head movement and elusiveness, Joshua’s defensive skills are more rooted in that aforementioned traditional boxing style.
This defensive solidity might frustrate Ngannou, who could find it challenging to land his powerful punches against a more defensively sound opponent in Joshua.
Knockout power
A crucial element that sets Joshua apart is his undeniable knockout power.
With 24 of his 27 wins coming via KO, Joshua is widely recognised as one of the most powerful punchers in the heavyweight division.
This statistic places him almost in a league of his own, even when compared to Fury, who boasts 24 of his 34 victories by knockout.
Joshua’s ability to finish fights with one powerful punch adds a layer of danger that Ngannou must carefully navigate.
Preparation and focus
One significant factor that sets Joshua apart is his commitment to preparation and learning from past mistakes.
Unlike Tyson Fury, who faced Ngannou as more of a stop-gap while awaiting an undisputed encounter with Usyk, Joshua is approaching this bout with a different mindset.
After those well-documented back-to-back defeats to Usyk, Joshua is determined to rebuild his status in the heavyweight division.
The argument that Fury was ill-prepared for the Ngannou bout adds weight to the notion that Joshua, serious about reclaiming his belts, will not make the same mistakes.
With a focused and well-prepared mindset, Joshua enters the ring with a strategic plan to overcome Ngannou’s challenges and emerge victorious.
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While there is no doubt that Fury is one of the best heavyweights on the planet, Joshua’s technical boxing prowess, heightened defensive skills, and commitment to preparation for this bout makes him arguably a tougher opponent for Ngannou and a big favourite with those who bet on boxing.
As the Saudi Arabia clash on March 8 looms, boxing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate how Joshua’s unique strengths and focused mindset will play out in the ring.
If Joshua succeeds in avoiding the pitfalls that Fury encountered in his bout with Ngannou last October, the rebuilding process in the heavyweight division could take a significant step forward for the two-time former unified champion.