In the high-stakes world of heavyweight boxing, former champion Anthony Joshua has cast himself as the reliable ‘postman,’ vowing to deliver a decisive victory against Francis Ngannou in Riyadh’s much-anticipated bout, aptly named “Knockout Chaos.”
Joshua, tipping the scales at a solid 114.48kg (18st 02lbs), is set to face off against the formidable Ngannou, who boasts a near two-stone advantage at 123.64kg (19st 47lbs). This clash of titans follows Ngannou’s narrow split decision loss to Tyson Fury, despite a thunderous knockdown in the third round.
“I’m the courier of combat, guaranteed to bring the win home,” proclaimed a confident Joshua at the weigh-in.
Ngannou, the underdog with a heart of a lion, carries the weight of a rags-to-riches tale, having once toiled for meager wages in a sand quarry. His journey from the depths of poverty to the pinnacle of combat sports has made him a sentimental favorite.
Reflecting on his recent foray into boxing, Ngannou said, “Each fight is a lesson, and I’m still the student with the same unyielding spirit. I’m here to show the world that even an underdog can hold his ground.”
The victor of Friday’s epic encounter is poised to potentially challenge either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, who are slated to vie for the undisputed heavyweight crown come May.
Ngannou, with a chuckle, mused about the hypothetical outcome under MMA rules: “In a no-holds-barred fight, I’d outmatch them both. I’ve stepped into their realm, yet none dare to step into mine. In my world, I’d face them both simultaneously.”