Francis Ngannou, the UFC heavyweight champion, recently made his professional boxing debut in a non-title bout against Tyson Fury, the reigning WBC champion. In a surprising turn of events, Ngannou managed to knock Fury down in the third round and put up a competitive fight throughout their 10-round encounter, ultimately losing by split decision. Ngannou is now gearing up for his upcoming fight against former unified WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, scheduled for Friday, March 8, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Despite Joshua's impressive track record, former UFC fighter Dan Hardy believes that Ngannou has a good chance of winning this bout. Hardy points out that Joshua may be easier to hit and psychologically rattle compared to Fury. Ngannou's unpredictable power and ability to punch through guards pose a significant challenge for Joshua, according to Hardy.
Hardy emphasizes the importance of Joshua respecting Ngannou's improved skills and confidence gained from his previous fight with Fury. He anticipates Ngannou being more active in the upcoming match, which could make him vulnerable to Joshua's precision and power. However, Hardy acknowledges that Joshua must be cautious and not underestimate Ngannou's capabilities.
While Joshua is known for his boxing prowess and technical skills, Hardy warns that Ngannou's confidence and aggressive approach could potentially unsettle Joshua during the fight. The outcome of the match remains uncertain, with both fighters possessing unique strengths and strategies that could influence the result.
Boxing enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the showdown between Joshua and Ngannou, set to unfold on Sky Sports Box Office. The clash of styles and contrasting strengths between the two fighters promises an exciting and unpredictable bout that could redefine the heavyweight boxing landscape.