The Cameroonian star, Francis Ngannou, is set to make his second appearance in boxing after Tyson Fury last October. On March 8th, Anthony Joshua will face the punching power of the former UFC champion. After the announcement of the showdown, bookmakers have revealed the favorite for this significant confrontation.
It was in the works after the impressive performance of the Cameroonian powerhouse in Saudi Arabia on October 28th against Tyson Fury. An underdog in his first venture into English boxing, Francis Ngannou surprised the world by challenging the reigning heavyweight champion since 2020. Without hesitation, he delivered a performance that opened incredible doors for him. Besides the substantial financial windfall he secured by landing a fight against the Gypsy King, the Predator gained immense popularity. As evidence, he secured his second boxing match against Anthony Joshua after only nine weeks from his first duel.
The significant challenge confirmed earlier than expected
While a rematch against Fury was expected for Francis’s second appearance in English boxing, as he had been repeating in recent weeks, Deontay Wilder’s defeat on December 23rd to Joseph Parker reshuffled the deck. Indeed, the double British champion, Anthony Joshua, who had agreed to a match with Wilder in March, quickly changed course after the American’s loss. Knowing that Tyson Fury is gearing up for a crucial duel against Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on February 17th, Francis Ngannou was ultimately chosen by the AJ camp.
With Saudi Arabia fully supporting the former UFC champion, discussions progressed rapidly, and the confirmation of the major clash was officially announced this Friday. On social media, both fighters also confirmed the bout, especially Anthony Joshua, who announced the date of March 8th for his first duel of 2024. While Francis Ngannou eagerly anticipates this significant duel he has longed for, bookmakers have revealed the favorite for this clash of titans.
Joshua – Ngannou, bookmakers have already decided
Despite the Predator’s impressive performance against the invincible Tyson Fury, bookmakers still consider Anthony Joshua the clear favorite. With a record of 30 fights, 27 victories, including 24 by KO, and only 3 defeats, the WBO, WBA, IBF champion remains the widely anticipated winner of the March 8th duel in Saudi Arabia. According to La Sueur, AJ’s victory has odds at 1.09, indicating a probability of over 90%. Francis Ngannou is at 7.40, a significant odds that bettors will not hesitate to try, especially considering the reputation of the Cameroonian, who often defies unfavorable predictions.
Moreover, against Tyson Fury, his odds were similar to those given against AJ currently. If not for the very controversial decision of two judges, Ngannou would have emerged as the official winner of the Battle of Baddest. Nevertheless, the Cameroonian remains the big winner for almost all observers of the noble art, and even the president of the WBC. The head of the global boxing organization personally recommended placing the Batié native in the 10th position among the best heavyweight boxers in the world.
Joshua on a very impressive streak
It is surprising that the one who knocked down Fury in his first boxing match is still widely considered the loser. Whatever people say, Joshua remains a formidable opponent who has already defeated many big names in English heavyweight boxing. Much more agile than the Gypsy King, AJ will be a massive challenge for the Predator, who will have to double or even triple his concentration and preparation to avoid humiliation.
In his last fight on December 23rd, Joshua easily defeated the Swede Otto Wallin by technical knockout. It was his third consecutive victory in 2023. Announced as a clear favorite by bookmakers, we will see if he can dominate Ngannou.
Do you genuinely think Francis Ngannou can compete with Anthony Joshua? Have the bookmakers seen it correctly?
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