After the unexpected delay in Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight bout, the focus has shifted to the upcoming clash between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on March 8.
Affectionately known as ‘AJ’, Joshua is on a quest for redemption after back-to-back defeats to Usyk, and Ngannou — the former UFC heavyweight champion turned boxer — is the next formidable opponent.
Despite being labeled the underdog in the Joshua odds, Ngannou possesses several factors that could potentially lead to a stunning victory over Joshua in the Blue Riband division. So, let’s look at four ways the 37-year-old could shock AJ.
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Striking power
Ngannou’s knockout power is renowned in the world of combat sports.
The Cameroonian-born fighter has devastating punching power and has proven himself as a knockout artist in the UFC.
In his boxing debut against Fury, Ngannou showcased his striking prowess by flooring the ‘Gypsy King’ in the third round.
If he can display that power against Joshua, who has shown vulnerability to well-timed punches in the past, Ngannou might capitalize on this weakness to secure a knockout victory.
Unpredictability
Ngannou’s background in mixed martial arts provides him with a unique and unpredictable fighting style that could pose challenges for Joshua.
While AJ is accustomed to the technical aspects of boxing, Ngannou’s unorthodox approach may catch him off guard.
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The ability to seamlessly transition between different fighting styles might give Ngannou an edge in adapting to Joshua’s movements and strategies during the bout, making him a tricky opponent to decipher.
Conditioning and cardiovascular endurance
As a former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou has demonstrated remarkable conditioning and cardiovascular endurance in the Octagon.
Ngannou is accustomed to five-round fights lasting five minutes a round, which could give him an advantage in terms of stamina as a boxing round is just three minutes.
If he can maintain a high level of endurance throughout the scheduled 10 rounds against Joshua, who has occasionally shown signs of fatigue at the business end of bouts, Ngannou might exploit this vulnerability and capitalize on late-round opportunities.
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Mental toughness
Ngannou’s mental toughness was evident in his boxing debut against Fury, where he weathered the storm and arguably could have won the bout.
The ability to endure adversity and remain focused under pressure is a crucial aspect of elite-level boxing.
If Ngannou can bring the same mental fortitude to the ring against Joshua, it could play a pivotal role in navigating through the highs and lows of the fight — potentially unsettling the British heavyweight.
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While Joshua enters the bout as the favorite in the boxing odds, Ngannou possesses a unique set of skills and attributes that could tip the scales in his favor.
Striking power, unpredictability, conditioning, and mental toughness are the key factors that may contribute to Ngannou shocking the world with a victory over Joshua in Saudi Arabia on March 8.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits this clash of titans, Ngannou’s crossover journey from the UFC to boxing adds an intriguing element to the narrative of the Blue Riband division.
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Carter Maddox
