Francis Ngannou Claims That Anthony Joshua ‘Looked a Little Nervous’

The stage is set, and the focus lights are blazing. Former UFC heavyweight superstar Francis Ngannou (0-1) is getting his mitts ready for a sensational boxing showdown against former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs). The fight that will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 8 and has undoubtedly got the boxing community at the edge of their seats in anticipation. Meanwhile, ‘The Predator’ had a few choice words for his upcoming opponent.

Ngannou was recently at his media workout. And, while talking to reporters, he mentioned that Joshua was very relaxed during their promo. However, he quickly added, “I asked him if he was OK because he looked a little nervous or something. I asked him if he was OK because I was OK. I had no problems. I was just talking around, laughing.”

“I think we are both professional enough to know what we have to do to get to where we want to go,” Ngannou said.

Joshua, on the other hand, opted for an inclusive media workout. In lieu of hitting pads, he shadowboxed alongside a few local young boxers that he had invited. Joshua mentioned that he wished to let young people use his platform to showcase their skillset.

“I know how much the people of Saudi are embracing boxing and health in general. I gave them a chance to get on TV, and hopefully their parents will see, and it will boost their morale,” he said.

“I’m not leaving boxing”

It sure looks like Ngannou and his love for boxing are here to stay. At the grand arrivals livestream in Riyadh, Ngannou revealed that he has been enjoying his transition to boxing.

“I will definitely still do some MMA fights, but I’m not leaving boxing. Remember, at the beginning, it was boxing. I wasn’t aware of MMA, and for more than a decade, it was all about boxing, dreaming about boxing,” he said. Ngannou stated that despite competing in MMA, he still yearned for the boxing ring.

“In order to retire peacefully, I needed to do that boxing because I just love it. I can’t tell you why, but I love it, and I enjoy it,” he added.

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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