[Boxing] Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou - March 9

[Inwestour]

It's not about a a fighter vs fighter beef, it's promotion (headed by Dana White) vs their fighter. So there's no agreement in between, and I don't think that Dana will give in to the demands of Francis if we talk about money. Dana is business and we all know that he will have his way one way or another and that's why I do not see Ngannou going back to his franchise.

And as we have seen, he is a natural striker with raw power. And boxing is the perfect fit for that kind of athlete. And besides, money in boxing is big for Heavyweight, specially that they have the back up of one of the richest nation, in Saudi Arabia.

Money is an important factor for fighters, but it seems to me that at some point it’s not just about money. It seems that after the fight between Ngannou and Fury, the boxing world is ready to accept this fighter, and now the important point will be whether Ngannou can defeat his opponents, and it is important that this can be done by knockout, so that there is no doubt about victory.

Joshua is weaker than Fury and Ngannou can beat him. I will say that I have always liked Ngannou as a fighter and I would like to see him win this fight.

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[TopTort777]

Dont think that Ngannou would ever return to UFC. UFC rarely pay a million to a fighter (but fighters get more than a million if we calculate payment+ppv sales+victory bonus+sponsors). Here, from the start he got 10 times more he was earning in UFC. Now, as he has a place in board in PFL, media, fame, he dont really need to fight in mma to earn the same amount he earned in UFC.

Sure, but his boxing career could be short-lived if Joshua beats him easily. One of the reason for Fury's poor performance was no available material to analyse Ngannou's style and weaknesses. Joshua's team now has got at least something to work on.
But if Francis somehow manages to get that win, he's almost guaranteed to stay in boxing, and would likely get a fight with a winner of Fury Vs Usyk.

Francis has a surprising nice skill for a fighter - he can surprise opponent. He has surprised his last mma opponent with lots of wrestling, when everyone expected striking. He has surprised boxer with good boxing skills, enough to "not to look bad when fighting a champion". Most likely, or even 200% that he will surprise AJ and his team. Mark my words. Even if AJ wins, Francis is going to be different, not a straightforward running train with one loaded punch.

One of the reason for Fury's poor performance was no available material to analyse Ngannou's style and weaknesses.

That is why there is always not one, but two corner guys despite cut man in the corner. That is a ridiculous excuse honestly. If they had nothing to analyse, they must have adopted strategy during rounds, that is why they are there.

[Jating]

Dont think that Ngannou would ever return to UFC. UFC rarely pay a million to a fighter (but fighters get more than a million if we calculate payment+ppv sales+victory bonus+sponsors). Here, from the start he got 10 times more he was earning in UFC. Now, as he has a place in board in PFL, media, fame, he dont really need to fight in mma to earn the same amount he earned in UFC.

Sure, but his boxing career could be short-lived if Joshua beats him easily. One of the reason for Fury's poor performance was no available material to analyse Ngannou's style and weaknesses. Joshua's team now has got at least something to work on.
But if Francis somehow manages to get that win, he's almost guaranteed to stay in boxing, and would likely get a fight with a winner of Fury Vs Usyk.

Francis has a surprising nice skill for a fighter - he can surprise opponent. He has surprised his last mma opponent with lots of wrestling, when everyone expected striking. He has surprised boxer with good boxing skills, enough to "not to look bad when fighting a champion". Most likely, or even 200% that he will surprise AJ and his team. Mark my words. Even if AJ wins, Francis is going to be different, not a straightforward running train with one loaded punch.

One of the reason for Fury's poor performance was no available material to analyse Ngannou's style and weaknesses.

That is why there is always not one, but two corner guys despite cut man in the corner. That is a ridiculous excuse honestly. If they had nothing to analyse, they must have adopted strategy during rounds, that is why they are there.

Lol, but yeah, if that is the excuse on Fury's fight, they whoever trains him, whether his father, it's a failure on their fight to recognized that the likes of Francis Ngannou who has the power, can knock him down in a fight and that's why happen.

They just got lucky that the judges give them that score, otherwise, it will also be a broken fight between him and Usyk as it really derailed their fight like what happen to Wilder losing to Parker. AJ should learn from this and so not be overconfident even if they are the overwhelming favorites against Ngannou.

[tokeweed]

Even after Ngannou's showing vs Fury the books line him at 4.20, via KO at 5.60 and vs decision at 16.  I think the latter has a lot of value in it.  Ngannou has the cardio to go all through the end in a boxing match as seen vs Fury.  But the question is how does Joshua take a punch from Ngannou?  Will he be able to stand up and soldier on til the end?  I really have no idea.

We all know Ngannou's chin could take a punch and he could prolly take Joshua's powerrr.  :/

[Sanitough]

Even after Ngannou's showing vs Fury the books line him at 4.20, via KO at 5.60 and vs decision at 16.  I think the latter has a lot of value in it.  Ngannou has the cardio to go all through the end in a boxing match as seen vs Fury.  But the question is how does Joshua take a punch from Ngannou?  Will he be able to stand up and soldier on til the end?  I really have no idea.

We all know Ngannou's chin could take a punch and he could prolly take Joshua's powerrr.  :/

There's always a value on it, IMO, he is quite an underrated boxer, and since his record is still 0, I thinkt he odds are just fair. But we aren't line makers, and line makers based their odds on a lot of factor, so if we believe that Ngannou should have win in his previous fight, I think this time he can prove himself if he really win against a boxer that is lower than Fury in terms of ranking.

Personally, I would take a 5.60 via KO, as I think AJ is not as durable as Fury.

[TopTort777]

Even after Ngannou's showing vs Fury the books line him at 4.20, via KO at 5.60 and vs decision at 16.  I think the latter has a lot of value in it.  Ngannou has the cardio to go all through the end in a boxing match as seen vs Fury.  But the question is how does Joshua take a punch from Ngannou?  Will he be able to stand up and soldier on til the end?  I really have no idea.

We all know Ngannou's chin could take a punch and he could prolly take Joshua's powerrr.  :/

We can try to evaluate AJ by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhdE4tnPiN4. For sure his chin can hold few good punches, but all those opponent did not his as hard as Ngannou. The biggest question would be tactics of Ngannou imho. If he would start with saving stamina for later rounds, then AJ would hold punches, if Ngannou would spam like Usyk, than series of not-in-full-power strikes will be enough.

Maybe the past fame of Ngannou runs in front of him and forces us to think that he will know each and every opponent. In such weight class, its even enough to jab to KO an opponent. So its isnt right to discuss "would-AJ-stand-or-fall" after a punch. Maybe we overestimate Ngannou, and his past is past now, as boxing is much different from mma fights and his record there.

[Die_empty]

Money is an important factor for fighters, but it seems to me that at some point it’s not just about money. It seems that after the fight between Ngannou and Fury, the boxing world is ready to accept this fighter, and now the important point will be whether Ngannou can defeat his opponents, and it is important that this can be done by knockout, so that there is no doubt about victory.

Joshua is weaker than Fury and Ngannou can beat him. I will say that I have always liked Ngannou as a fighter and I would like to see him win this fight.

The money that both players will receive because of this fight is jaw-dropping. Anthony Joshua will receive close to £31m, while Francis Ngannou might get up to £16m. But like you said, this fight is far more than the financial gains. Anthony Joshua wants to fight his way to the top and reclaim his past glory, while Ngannou is desperately seeking an avenue to get to the top.

Joshua is a more experienced fighter and could use it against the new guy on the block. But Francis is heavy and also a good puncher, so I have some doubt if Joshua will be able to withstand him for ten rounds. If Joshue survives a knockout he might end up winning the fight. The fight is a dangerous and unpredictable one but Joshua will be entering the ring with confidence after having a good 2023 where he defeated Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin. While Francis is motivated by the fact that he had given Tyson Fury one of the fights of his life.   

[Yaunfitda]

Even after Ngannou's showing vs Fury the books line him at 4.20, via KO at 5.60 and vs decision at 16.  I think the latter has a lot of value in it.  Ngannou has the cardio to go all through the end in a boxing match as seen vs Fury.  But the question is how does Joshua take a punch from Ngannou?  Will he be able to stand up and soldier on til the end?  I really have no idea.

We all know Ngannou's chin could take a punch and he could prolly take Joshua's powerrr.  :/

I think the closest that we might see how Joshua can take a power puncher is obviously against his first defeat, Andy Ruiz. But I think Ngannou has more power that Ruiz and with that, if let's say Francis landed the way he landed on Fury, it might be goodnight for Joshua.

So not sure what bookies is putting him as a big underdog in this fight. But I think it's going to be a field day for gamblers who wanted to bet on the underdog. As we all know that Francis is a live dog and that odds is very enticing and it might cost big money on casinos if Francis is going to pull the biggest upset and score a knockout against Joshua in this fight.

[Yamifoud]

Even after Ngannou's showing vs Fury the books line him at 4.20, via KO at 5.60 and vs decision at 16.  I think the latter has a lot of value in it.  Ngannou has the cardio to go all through the end in a boxing match as seen vs Fury.  But the question is how does Joshua take a punch from Ngannou?  Will he be able to stand up and soldier on til the end?  I really have no idea.

We all know Ngannou's chin could take a punch and he could prolly take Joshua's powerrr.  :/

I think the closest that we might see how Joshua can take a power puncher is obviously against his first defeat, Andy Ruiz. But I think Ngannou has more power that Ruiz and with that, if let's say Francis landed the way he landed on Fury, it might be goodnight for Joshua.

So not sure what bookies is putting him as a big underdog in this fight. But I think it's going to be a field day for gamblers who wanted to bet on the underdog. As we all know that Francis is a live dog and that odds is very enticing and it might cost big money on casinos if Francis is going to pull the biggest upset and score a knockout against Joshua in this fight.

That's exactly what will happen. However, I'm pretty sure that Joshua is aware of that outcome, so he will make sure it will not happen. He suffered knockouts in his career, he cannot take it anymore against a much stronger opponent. Joshua here will just likely play Ngannou, he will not goe toe to toe, instead he will use his quickness while trying to score. And with that, I agree that bookies made the right odds for this game, because Ngannou chance here is to hit Joshua with a clean shot that would result to KO.

[aioc]

After the Fury - Joshua fight, Ngannou became the favorite in this fight based on the members' poll here, but on Fandurl sports book it's the other way around
Ngannou opened as a considerable underdog for this bout with +470 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, while Joshua is a -550 favorite.
Anthony Joshua Vs. Francis Ngannou Boxing Fight Odds

I voted for Joshua to win by decision if it goes the distance but if we're talking about who's going to go down it's Joshua because between the two it is Ngannou who is the hard puncher and Ngannou can take a punch, compared to Joshua who's been down many times in the past, Ngannou chances is to knock Joshua out while Joshua's skill in boxing is better than Ngannou and this will save him.

[Dave1]

Even after Ngannou's showing vs Fury the books line him at 4.20, via KO at 5.60 and vs decision at 16.  I think the latter has a lot of value in it.  Ngannou has the cardio to go all through the end in a boxing match as seen vs Fury.  But the question is how does Joshua take a punch from Ngannou?  Will he be able to stand up and soldier on til the end?  I really have no idea.

We already have an idea, Ruiz fight and even in the Usyk fight wherein there were moments that AJ's leg was wobbled because he was hit by Usyk who is not known to be a big puncher but still it has enough to bring AJ's legs to move.

We all know Ngannou's chin could take a punch and he could prolly take Joshua's powerrr.  :/

That's the scary part of Francis, he can take punches as well as dish it out. Wish though that he will have the stamina or developed it through 10 rounds so that he will still looks fresh in the championship rounds against AJ if this fight goes to distance.

[Natalim]

After the Fury - Joshua fight, Ngannou became the favorite in this fight based on the members' poll here, but on Fandurl sports book it's the other way around
Ngannou opened as a considerable underdog for this bout with +470 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, while Joshua is a -550 favorite.
Anthony Joshua Vs. Francis Ngannou Boxing Fight Odds

I voted for Joshua to win by decision if it goes the distance but if we're talking about who's going to go down it's Joshua because between the two it is Ngannou who is the hard puncher and Ngannou can take a punch, compared to Joshua who's been down many times in the past, Ngannou chances is to knock Joshua out while Joshua's skill in boxing is better than Ngannou and this will save him.

Ngannou is a real deal. I mean,  he could punch hard and he is strong and could accept punches. The only problem I see here is if AJ have more quickness than Ngannou and AJ will use that against a newbie in boxing. With that, it would result to an easy win for AJ and Ngannou's hype will die.

We don't want to see that and we don't believe that, right? So I guess the poll says a lot about how sports bettors here felt about this fight, we can go big or go home here for Ngannou. GL!

[tokeweed]

Even after Ngannou's showing vs Fury the books line him at 4.20, via KO at 5.60 and vs decision at 16.  I think the latter has a lot of value in it.  Ngannou has the cardio to go all through the end in a boxing match as seen vs Fury.  But the question is how does Joshua take a punch from Ngannou?  Will he be able to stand up and soldier on til the end?  I really have no idea.

We all know Ngannou's chin could take a punch and he could prolly take Joshua's powerrr.  :/

There's always a value on it, IMO, he is quite an underrated boxer, and since his record is still 0, I thinkt he odds are just fair. But we aren't line makers, and line makers based their odds on a lot of factor, so if we believe that Ngannou should have win in his previous fight, I think this time he can prove himself if he really win against a boxer that is lower than Fury in terms of ranking.

Personally, I would take a 5.60 via KO, as I think AJ is not as durable as Fury.

As Joshua has a lot of fight time in the ring, I think he could make the match last longer and go to a decision than go fight toe to toe vs Ngannou which would def by a bad proposition for Joshua.  I might go for Ngannou via dec at 16.  And it'sgonna go higher as the build up to the even intensifies.  Omg it's gonna be a so good...  Fresh off the heels of Ngannou's great performance vs Fury. 

I think 5.60 via KO doesn't have that much value.  I'd rather take it straight at 4.20.  Not a big difference.

[mirakal]

I think 5.60 via KO doesn't have that much value.  I'd rather take it straight at 4.20.  Not a big difference.

5.60 KO for me too, I think if Ngannou will win, it would be by KO. AJ showed some weakness in his previous fights, while AJ are trying to make a strategy on how to defeat Ngannou, I'm sure the camp of Ngannou also understands that and will focus on their own strategy. With heavyweight fights from KO artist, going to judges decision is less likely, so it should be a KO.

[Jating]

I think 5.60 via KO doesn't have that much value.  I'd rather take it straight at 4.20.  Not a big difference.

5.60 KO for me too, I think if Ngannou will win, it would be by KO. AJ showed some weakness in his previous fights, while AJ are trying to make a strategy on how to defeat Ngannou, I'm sure the camp of Ngannou also understands that and will focus on their own strategy. With heavyweight fights from KO artist, going to judges decision is less likely, so it should be a KO.

Yeah, it might be hard for the judges to give the nod for Ngannou if the fight goes to distance, similar to what we've witnessed in the Fury fight. There are some boxing fans that thought that Fury didn't do enough to win in that fight and that Francis with the strength of his knockdown, could have won that fight.

And here and with AJ questionable chin, chances are, if he hit that one punch to the chin, then maybe we can see a KO win.

So it make sense to go on this route and bet by KO instead of a straight up ML at 4.20. At least Ngannou has control of on he is going to win, instead of letting the judges, that might screw him again.

[hilariousetc]

According to Sport Business Journal the purses are £31 million for Joshua and £16 million for Ngannou.

Sport Business Journal report that Joshua will bank around £31m from his clash with the former UFC star.

Ngannou would receive around half that amount at £16m - though this is still double the amount that he made from his closely fought defeat to Fury. 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-12943435/Anthony-Joshua-bank-jaw-dropping-career-payday-Saudi-fight-Francis-Ngannou-former-UFC-star-receive-DOUBLE-controversial-loss-Tyson-Fury.html

Beefs can mean something especially when egos are involved. Dana has pretty much been embarrassed by Ngannou by not only getting these huge deals in both boxing and MMA with the PFL but almost nearly beating Fury. Dana has Dana pretty childish towards Francis saying things like he was scared to fight Jon Jones which is BS. Dana just tried to low-ball Francis and strong-arm him into an unfavourable contract and Francis had the balls to just walk away and make his own path.  All Dana had to do was to just allow Francis to box outside of his UFC contract and had he done that Ngannou would likely still be with the UFC. Dana has been pretty hypocritical as well saying the UFC don't do gimmick cross-over fights but then offers to make Fury vs Jon Jones. Make up your mind.

Dana can be understood also. If he would allow Francis to have a fight outside UFC, then other fighters will follow Francis and would also try to sit on two chairs at once. As a businessman he can be understood, as he was risking his asset in exchange for what? More fame and media? He could have allowed Ngannou to participate outside UFC only if other boxers would accept a fight under MMA rules and under UFC promotion. That would be fair. He others to earn on Ngannou name, then let him also earn on Fury name for example. That fight between Fury and Jones, he proposed that to happen under UFC flag.

P.S. Dana only allow his most milking cow to have a boxing fight, only because it would hype UFC also. And once he allowed his fighter to participate in other MMA event, but that was made when UFC were at the bottom and required any additional attention from the world.

Doesn't matter if the UFC is involved with their boxing fights as well. Dana could have had his cake and eaten it too if he just allowed Francis to box. Ngannou was pretty open that he would be happy to do both and give Dana/UFC a cut as a cross promotion. If they can do it for Connor then they can surely do it for Francis too. Dana has shot himself in the foot letting Francis go. Ngannou was one of the biggest stars the UFC had but now he's the biggest PFL star and he hasn't even fought for them yet. Francis doing boxing alongside MMA just brings in more eyes from the boxing world and makes Francis an even bigger star that could transcend the sport. If Francis does well or even beats AJ then he's going to become one of the biggest combat athletes in the world if he isn't already. If he does beat AJ then he'll probably be fighting for belts very soon. The UFC has lost out on all that promo

[Stepstowealth]

Yeah, it might be hard for the judges to give the nod for Ngannou if the fight goes to distance, similar to what we've witnessed in the Fury fight. There are some boxing fans that thought that Fury didn't do enough to win in that fight and that Francis with the strength of his knockdown, could have won that fight.

Exactly what I think will be the plan for Francis. KO Joshua and give the judges no chance to steal this victory for him again. Francis also know what the critics say, he will want to shock and shut them up.

And here and with AJ questionable chin, chances are, if he hit that one punch to the chin, then maybe we can see a KO win.

Francis knows this and already has fired a warning shot saying,
'I've heard he doesn't have a chin'

Francis was able to knocked down Fury who is really strong, the chance of him knocking down and Out Anthony Joshua is big. This fight can really be Francis's first win.

[TopTort777]

Doesn't matter if the UFC is involved with their boxing fights as well. Dana could have had his cake and eaten it too if he just allowed Francis to box. Ngannou was pretty open that he would be happy to do both and give Dana/UFC a cut as a cross promotion. If they can do it for Connor then they can surely do it for Francis too. Dana has shot himself in the foot letting Francis go. Ngannou was one of the biggest stars the UFC had but now he's the biggest PFL star and he hasn't even fought for them yet. Francis doing boxing alongside MMA just brings in more eyes from the boxing world and makes Francis an even bigger star that could transcend the sport. If Francis does well or even beats AJ then he's going to become one of the biggest combat athletes in the world if he isn't already. If he does beat AJ then he'll probably be fighting for belts very soon. The UFC has lost out on all that promo

As far as I remember, Ngannou was complaining not only on low salary, but basically wanted a freedom of action and asked UFC for full medical insurance. UFC does give some medical insurance, but Francis wanted it to be something like - he break neck, UFC support him fully till pension. We will never know full story of their behind the scene games. Personally, if Francis got 10 millions for fight against  Fury, I dont think that UFC were able to pay him so much for a fight. That is it.

Isnt Ngannou has to pass some opponents first, and get some rating to be able to fight for belts? Now he looks more like a talented guy from the crowd that box on the same level as champions. Now Fury fights with Usyk and all the belts are on the line. There are always obligatory belt applicants. Would boxing organizations really allow those who are in line wait, and let Ngannou out of turn?

[LFC_Bitcoin]

I still have an Anthony Joshua signed glove that I bought at auction a while back when he was World Champ. With every loss I think the value of that framed glove goes down. I have no choice but to cheer him on

I think Fury could have gone into his fight with Ngannou unprepared, maybe he underestimated him. I think Joshua will win this fight comfortably. He has no choice but to stay 100%  focused in every pre fight training camp and be ready for every fight. If he loses many more his career is over.

[hilariousetc]

Doesn't matter if the UFC is involved with their boxing fights as well. Dana could have had his cake and eaten it too if he just allowed Francis to box. Ngannou was pretty open that he would be happy to do both and give Dana/UFC a cut as a cross promotion. If they can do it for Connor then they can surely do it for Francis too. Dana has shot himself in the foot letting Francis go. Ngannou was one of the biggest stars the UFC had but now he's the biggest PFL star and he hasn't even fought for them yet. Francis doing boxing alongside MMA just brings in more eyes from the boxing world and makes Francis an even bigger star that could transcend the sport. If Francis does well or even beats AJ then he's going to become one of the biggest combat athletes in the world if he isn't already. If he does beat AJ then he'll probably be fighting for belts very soon. The UFC has lost out on all that promo

As far as I remember, Ngannou was complaining not only on low salary, but basically wanted a freedom of action and asked UFC for full medical insurance. UFC does give some medical insurance, but Francis wanted it to be something like - he break neck, UFC support him fully till pension. We will never know full story of their behind the scene games. Personally, if Francis got 10 millions for fight against  Fury, I dont think that UFC were able to pay him so much for a fight. That is it.

He requested a few things, but not all just for himself but the betterment of all UFC fighters. There's a really good article that lays out what happened during his contact dipsute with the UFC and what he got from the PFL https://www.espn.co.uk/mma/story/_/id/37702902/why-francis-ngannou-left-ufc-signed-pfl-contract-deal

Going into the negotiations with the UFC, Ngannou said he asked the promotion for all fighters to get in-cage sponsorships and health insurance. He also wanted an athlete advocate positioned to assist fighters.

"I asked for a lot of things, which doesn't mean I was expecting all those things," Ngannou said in January. "But I was expecting one or two out of those things.

Francis seemed to me to be be very reasonable and open to further negotiations but he really needed to be allowed to fight outside the UFC in boxing. Why would Francis sign anything otherwise when he knows he can make more money in one boxing fight than his entire UFC career. Francis stuck to his guns and I'm glad it paid off for him.

Isnt Ngannou has to pass some opponents first, and get some rating to be able to fight for belts? Now he looks more like a talented guy from the crowd that box on the same level as champions. Now Fury fights with Usyk and all the belts are on the line. There are always obligatory belt applicants. Would boxing organizations really allow those who are in line wait, and let Ngannou out of turn?

Technically, no. You just have to be a top 15 ranked opponent to challenge for a belt and Ngannou is currently ranked 10th by the WBC so theoretically he could challenge for the title, which is crazy considering he's above Hrgovic, Joyce and Dubois. The WBC could choose not to sanction it or make Fury fight another mandatory though. I'm sure people would complain if they gave Ngannou a title shot so early but I think if he can get few wins under his belt then there's no reason why not. AJ is currently ranked at number two so if Francis beats AJ then that says a lot and if Francis can beat the number two then some may argue that makes him the number one contender. The WBC will likely make AJ the mandatory for Fury if he wins against Ngannou but it will be interesting if AJ loses. There's also the chance that the belts get vacated after the Fury/Usyk fight so they don't have to defend them against their chosen mandatories.