The heavyweight division continues to be one of the most active in boxing in the early part of 2024 as Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou face off out in Saudi Arabia on March 8 and ahead of the bout Darren Barker has been giving his assessment.
This intriguing contest has only come about as a result of how well Ngannou did in his first-ever boxing match. That was against Tyson Fury, the Lineal and WBC heavyweight champion of the world, in October.
In a contest no one saw coming, the Cameroonian-Frenchman remained remarkably cool and composed, boxed on the back foot and secured a famous knockdown of Fury in the third round
Fury rallied and ran out a close points winner but hasn’t lived it down since. In light of that, Joshua has now stepped up to try and do a better job of beating the former UFC champion as he continues his own bid to regain the world titles he has held twice before.
Speaking to Boxing Social, former champion turned pundit Barker spoke of the power that will be on show in the fight.
“It’s heavyweight boxing, so you’ve always got a puncher’s chance to degree, but that power has no value unless you can find the target. Will he be able to hit AJ? He’s very sharp on his feet, AJ, precise with his punching, really punches through the target.”
He then pointed out how Ngannou avoided Fury’s punches in their fight and claimed that made him vulnerable to AJ’s style.
“Every single time Fury threw the right hand Ngannou would lean back so he was vulnerable to the double jab right hand and we know AJ is very good at throwing that right hand, so my prediction is AJ stopping Ngannou late.
“He’s got a great chin Ngannou but the power between AJ and Fury is levels apart. I think he’ll be rescued on his feet, Ngannou.”
George Groves is one person who agrees that Joshua must bring lots of pressure and not allow Ngannou to settle as he chases victory and the winner of the undisputed fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
