Francis Ngannou, a former heavyweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is scheduled to compete against Anthony Joshua, another former heavyweight champion, in his second professional boxing match of the year.
Ngannou is going to make his way back to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the city in which he took on Tyson Fury for the first time and stunned the entire world by going head-to-head with the reigning heavyweight champion. Additionally, “The Predator” mentioned that the rematch against Fury may be a potential second fight for this year. On the 17th of February, “The Gypsy King” will compete against Oleksandr Usyk.
That is something that has been discussed for a very long time. At all times. To put it another way, even after the battle was over, the minister entered the cage and told the fighters to “Get ready for the rematch.” Therefore, why did it not take place? Indeed, it is going to take place. Even back then, we had a conversation about it. I mean, there is a Fury and Usyk together.This was like an opportunity because there is a match between Fury and Usyk that is currently taking place. I was looking forward to Fury, but I asked for this opportunity because it was one that I was happy to take advantage of. At the end of the day, this will not detract in any way from the rematch between Fury and the other fighter.
Furthermore, Ngannou disclosed that the rematch between them is scheduled to take place in October and that it will take place within the next year.
It is not. Not at all; it has never occurred immediately. Because I believe that they have similar days – their term is even closer – I believe that there is even a minor possibility that the rematch between Usyk and Usyk will take place immediately. Within a year, our rematch term is planned to take place in one year. It is still going to be October the following year, but I am referring to October this year.
Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua will ‘pick apart’ Francis Ngannou
Eddie Hearn, the promoter of Anthony Joshua, has stated in the past that his fighter will knock out Francis Ngannou, and he is continuing to stand by his statements.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Hearn reaffirmed his conviction that Joshua will emerge victorious over Ngannou, while at the same time recognising that ‘The Predator’ deserves his due respect.
It was him who said:
According to what you’ve heard me say in the past, I am convinced that AJ knocks him out. Nevertheless, he is a risky opponent. I am aware that this individual is a massive lump who is capable of delivering a powerful punch, and I believe that he is fearless, which makes him a potentially dangerous individual. On the other hand, I have the impression that AJ is in a fantastic position, and I anticipate that he will dismantle him and knock him out.
In addition, Hearn stated:
The situation is being taken extremely seriously by them… There is no doubt that Francis Ngannou is a highly dangerous individual, and they will be training with every ounce of their being in order to achieve victory.
After suffering a brief losing streak against Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua had a fantastic year in 2023, winning three fights in a row to make up for it. In the year 2024, he intends to maintain the same level of momentum.
