Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua sparks wild debate among legendary fighters

"We've been waiting for that fight for almost 10 years now, so finally it has happened," he said. "

At this level, I think it's very close. Anybody can win. It depends on how the fight goes. I think if it's going to go to a decision, I will pick Fury."

The Cameroonian fighter added: "I think the fight is well in Fury's favour."

However, Ngannou also sees a path to victory for Joshua, particularly in the opening rounds. "If it's a knockout, I think Joshua has a chance early," he predicted.

The 39-year-old's insights carry considerable weight given his direct experience against both men.

When Ngannou made his professional boxing debut in 2023, he stunned observers by flooring Fury in the early stages, though he ultimately lost via split decision.

His second foray into the boxing ring proved far more brutal. Joshua dispatched the former MMA champion inside two rounds, delivering a devastating knockout that left no doubt about his punching power.

That contrasting experience informs Ngannou's belief that Joshua's best chance lies in ending matters quickly.

Former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson has expressed reservations about both fighters heading into this contest. Appearing on That Boxing Show, he questioned whether either man remains at their peak.

"You've got to look at what both fighters have got. I think Tyson Fury's legs and his reactions aren't what they used to be," Nelson observed.

The pundit also raised doubts about Joshua's mental state following difficulties in his personal life during the festive period.

"I think with Anthony Joshua, there is something missing," Nelson said.

"You've got to think how that has affected his hunger, his desire, his want. Is this fight about him trying to figure out do I really want this or not? We don't know. There's a lot of questions to be answered."

Andy Ruiz Jr has issued a stark warning about Joshua's condition, claiming the Briton never fully recovered from their first encounter in 2019.

The Mexican-American, who sensationally stopped Joshua before losing the rematch six months later, revealed a conversation with a medical professional shortly after their initial bout.

"My really good friend, who's a doctor, told me that after I hit him with that shot to the temple, he wasn't going to recover," Ruiz Jr told Vegas Insider. "Every time he gets hit right there, something is going to rattle in his brain."

Ruiz Jr pointed to Joshua's subsequent defeats as evidence of lasting damage, while acknowledging his former opponent's resilience.

"Especially with Anthony Joshua, all the things that he's been through and he's still fighting. He's still breathing and that's amazing," he added.