Despite Francis Ngannou never winning a professional boxing match, Anthony Joshua’s training team is treating him as a world-class opponent for their March 8 showdown.
Indeed, in his professional debut, Ngannou did shock many by dropping elite heavyweight Tyson Fury. Furthermore, Ngannou’s ability to push Fury close in their 10-round non-title bout, only losing on a split decision, further solidified his potential as a formidable opponent in the boxing ring.
Ngannou, known primarily as an MMA star, showcased that his skills and physicality, which propelled him to win the UFC heavyweight championship, could indeed translate effectively into the sport of boxing.
Ben Davison warning to Anthony Joshua
New trainer Ben Davison has issued a warning that Anthony Joshua must approach Francis Ngannou as a world-class heavyweight. Despite Ngannou dropping Tyson Fury in his first professional boxing match but losing by decision, Davison refuses to underestimate Ngannou’s boxing skills. Even if Ngannou has lost some element of surprise, Davison insists on taking the mixed martial artist seriously as a boxer ahead of the Joshua fight.
“Treat him with the respect,” Davison told Sky Sports. “Let’s not lose the sight of it. He had a split-decision loss to Tyson. Straightaway that puts him up among people that have really struggled with Tyson.”
In addition to his undeniable power, Ngannou possesses attributes that could pose a significant threat, even to Joshua, who has previously held the unified heavyweight world championship title twice.
Davison pointed out: “He showed composure, he showed patience, which are all things which become a threat when you can punch like that.
“I think it’s easier to deal with a puncher when they’re a little bit reckless, a bit gung ho. They’re the novice side of his game that we thought we would see – a lack of patience, a lack of composure. But those are things that he’s shown. So we’re treating him like a world-class heavyweight.”
Ngannou’s limited experience in boxing indeed adds an element of unpredictability, making him challenging to study thoroughly. However, Davison is utilizing whatever information is available to prepare Joshua for the upcoming fight.
“You have got the MMA. A lot of his knockouts have come from him standing up and his punches etc. So there is a bit to look at in the MMA as well and obviously the 10-round fight with Tyson,” Davison said.
“The 10-round fight against Tyson’s a big asset to us, I feel.”
However, the trainer cautioned that there might be additional surprises in store from Ngannou, emphasizing the need for Joshua to remain vigilant and prepared for any developments during the fight.
“We don’t know. There might be other areas of his game that he looks to bring as well,” Davison said.
“But we are prepared and have to prepare ourselves for what we think he’s capable of and what other areas of his game we think he might try to employ or tactics that they might try to employ against AJ. That’s all we can do.”
