Anthony Joshua has admitted he and his team have found it 'funny' trying to prepare for his fight with Francis Ngannou because of his opponent's lack of experience.
Ngannou will be participating in a professional boxing match for just the second time when the pair meet in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.
The fighter, who made his name in MMA, impressed in his first career showdown with Tyson Fury back in October.
Though he lost via split decision, the 37-year-old did enough to show he belongs at the highest level - particularly after knocking Fury down in the third round of their fight.
Anthony Joshua has opened up on 'funny' preparations for his boxing match with Francis Ngannou
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And Joshua, writing for the Evening Standard, has admitted he finds preparing for his fight with Ngannou 'funny' because of how little footage there is to look at.
"Is he a world-class fighter? It’s hard to say after just a few rounds in a boxing ring," he wrote.
"He certainly has the potential to deliver on such a description, but I believe you need time in this game before anyone can properly label you truly world-class.
"That’s not to say I’m underestimating him.
"As I’ve said, he’s impressed me and we know he packs a punch.
"I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s funny preparing for this fight.
"Usually, there’s so much footage to look over from past bouts, but me and my team have got just one fight to look at.
"But there are the MMA clashes we’ve gone through to get an understanding of what’s to come.
"From what we’ve seen, I know where the jab is coming from, the hook, the uppercut, I’m ready for what he’ll throw at me — more ready than Tyson Fury was, that’s for sure.
"You want excitement in this division and I like to think Ngannou brings that.
"He’s different, he’s fun, he loves what he’s doing and he’s got people talking, which is what you want in heavyweight boxing."
Joshua also insists he's not worried about Ngannou after being motivated to 'raise his game'.
He continued: "He has motivated me to raise my game yet again from my last three wins, against Jermaine Franklin Jr, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin.
"I like the idea of stepping up each time and, despite his relative inexperience, it again feels like a step up.
"Saying that, does he worry me? No, not particularly.
"I have the skills to outbox him and I also have the ability to knock him out.
"That’s what I’m aiming to do, to get the job done before time. You always have to have that mentality when you enter the ring.
"There has been a lot of talk in the lead-up to the fight, there always is.
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Anthony Joshua is currently working hard in the gym as he looks to continue his brilliant form against Francis Ngannou
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"People say I’m finished if I lose but, as I always say, talk is cheap. Plus, I won’t be the loser on the night, far from it. For me, there’s only ever one result.
"Physically and mentally, I feel strong, certainly strong enough to get this fight done.
"If it’s a war, then I’m ready for that, too.
"I’m looking forward to showing the boxing world what I’m all about. Make sure you tune in to see it unfold."
Meanwhile, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has admitted he's 'nervous' for the Watford-born star.
He told The Sun: "I'm excited [for the fight] and nervous as well.
Francis Ngannou isn't being underestimated by Anthony Joshua despite his lack of experience
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"Ngannou is still a little bit of an unknown quantity if you like.
"I mean he's a big, strong beast of a man. But I still feel that, on paper, our boxing guys should be beating the likes of Ngannou.
"But in the heavyweight division, as you saw against Tyson Fury, if you're strong and you're technically sound and you're tough enough and you can whack, then you've got a chance.
"And he was unlucky not to get the win against Tyson Fury.
"So it gives AJ the credibility to go and fight him."
