Anthony Joshua has taken exception to Francis Ngannou claiming Tyson Fury has a better chin than the former heavyweight champion.
Joshua originally looked set to face Deontay Wilder in his first fight of 2024, but that plan was ruined after the American lost to Joseph Parker over the festive period.
There was talk of a potential fight with Filip Hrgovic, but the Croatian boxer is holding onto his IBF mandatory challenge for when Fury and Oleksandr Usyk eventually fight.
That left a gap in the season for Joshua to get back in the ring and keep up the momentum he built back in 2023 after losing his heavyweight belts to Usyk.
Anthony Joshua takes on Francis Ngannou on March 8
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After originally mocking Fury for taking up the fight with Ngannou, Joshua surprisingly agreed to take on the MMA icon himself.
Ngannou earned high praise for his performance against an under-par Fury in October last year and surprised everyone when he knocked the Gypsy King to the canvas.
And the 37-year-old has his doubts about whether Joshua would be able to get up like Fury did if he lands a similar punch on March 8.
"I have a doubt about that," Ngannou said on DAZN.
"Tyson showed that he's very resilient.
"I saw him get back from knockdowns like you wouldn't believe.
"I think he's probably one of the most resistent person out there. That's not a disrespect to AJ.
"I don't believe that AJ will take what Tyson took."
When asked whether that meant he didn't think Joshua had a chin, Ngannou added: "As much as Tyson."
Joshua then interjected and challenged his opponent's view.
He replied: "Who hasn't knocked Tyson down?
"So many people have knocked Tyson down."
Francis Ngannou floored Tyson Fury back in October
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Ngannou didn't appear to react to Joshua's comments, instead explaining what his own mindset was going into the fight against Fury.
"Even going to the fight, I knew that even if I knock him down I will not get excited," he added.
"That will not mean anything because he always comes back so I have to prepare for a very enduranced person.
"Psychologically that's how I was."
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Joshua also feels Fury's contest with Ngannou was further proof that he can get the better of his compatriot.
"People claim he's the greatest of many, many generations but I think if I boxed Tyosn Fury a lot of similarities will happen in the fight," he added.
"I'm not surprised at all in terms of his style, who Fury is. It's just a boxing match.
"Well done to both of them. They put on an entertaining fight."
