Anthony Joshua has 'advantage' ahead of Francis Ngannou boxing fight thanks to Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua has 'advantage' ahead of Francis Ngannou boxing fight thanks to Tyson Fury

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou fight creeps closer

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 03/03/2024

- 14:17

AJ is preparing for Friday's blockbuster bout in Saudi Arabia

Anthony Joshua has an advantage ahead of his fight with Francis Ngannou because he won't be going in 'blind' like Tyson Fury.

That's according to Frank Warren, who believes AJ could struggle when he locks horns with Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday.


Joshua is a man on the up these days, having secured victories over Jermaine Franklin Jr, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin last year.

Ngannou won't be easy, however, with the former MMA star pushing Fury all the way in their own fight back in October.

Boxing news Anthony Joshua Francis Ngannou

Boxing news: Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou will fight in Saudi Arabia on Friday

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Warren thinks Joshua has an 'advantage' because he now knows what Ngannou is like inside the ring.

The Cameroonian-French fighter had never participated in boxing before prior to his duel with Fury nearly five months ago.

And Warren has warned Joshua he may struggle to get up if he's caught cleanly on the chin, too.

He told the Daily Star: "Would it surprise me if Anthony Joshua lost to Francis Ngannou? The simple answer is no.

"That’s because we’ve seen what can happen when Joshua is hit flush on the chin.

"If Ngannou does that then this will be a real fight as we prepare to head to Saudi for another blockbuster show.

"The British heavyweight has at least one advantage that Tyson Fury didn’t have when he fought Ngannou last year.

"That’s because there is at least now footage to look at of how Ngannou is inside a boxing ring.

"When Fury faced him in October, he went in blind and got caught early in what could have been a huge banana skin.

"Joshua has at least the video footage to watch, can see Ngannou’s tells and can prepare.

"But the Cameroonian also now has 10 rounds of professional boxing under his belt which will give him more confidence.

"We’ve seen how powerful he is in the Octagon so Joshua needs to be wary.

"Of course, if AJ wins in style then talk for a clash with Tyson will be ramped up.

"There’s a lot to be done before we can get there but if there’s a will, there’s a way."

As for Joshua, the Briton has defended his decision to fight Ngannou.

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Boxing news: Francis Ngannou pushed Tyson Fury all the way when they fought back in October

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Speaking earlier in the week, he hit back at critics by saying: "He had a good outing as well against Tyson Fury who is the current WBC champion.

"So I think it will be good for me to see where I'm at."

And Joshua has admitted he's on a 'quest for greatness' as he enters the twilight years of his boxing career, too.

"On this quest for greatness how far can I push myself?" he said.

"How much can my brain keep on going until it gives up and I'm like: I can't do it anymore?

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Boxing news: Millions are set to tune in to Anthony Joshua's epic fight with Francis Ngannou

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"I want to keep on pushing my brain and trying new things. Get quicker, stronger, smarter in the ring. Face challenges, because I learn so much about myself.

"And then when it's enough, enough is enough."

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