Joe Joyce has revealed details of sparring sessions with Francis Ngannou and thinks the former MMA fighter has the power to knock out Tyson Fury in their upcoming fight.
Joyce is deep in camp for his own rematch with Zhilei Zhang, having lost to the Chinese heavyweight earlier in the year. ‘The Juggernaut’ took time out from his preparations to talk about his past sessions with Ngannou, who will make his pro boxing debut in Riyadh on October 28 against WBC and lineal heavyweight champion Fury.
Speaking to IFL TV, Joyce was asked ‘just how hard’ does the former UFC heavyweight champion hit.
“He hits heavy if he can land a shot on you. I sparred with him and they were some wicked shots he was throwing at me.”
He then broke down the differences between the two fighting codes and shared his excitement for the bout.
“It’s a different sport, boxing, a bit more refined because you just use your hands you have to don’t use your arms, or legs or elbow and grappling. Ngannou started with boxing so I’m interested to see what he can come up with the training just solely on boxing.”
He was finally asked if he thought Ngannou could knock Fury out.
“Yeah, if Fury is there to hit then he could get nailed with something.”
Fury-Ngannou takes place on October 28 in Saudi Arabia and is available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports Box Office and ESPN+ PPV in America.