Common Sparring Partner Makes His Pick for Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou Clash

The much anticipated, Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou fight is right around the corner. With just days left for it to dawn, someone who knows how both the fighters function in the ring has taken his pick for who could dominate on fight night.

On March 8, a day before ‘AJ’ was previously supposed to fight his longtime foe, Deontay Wilder, a clash will ensue at the coveted Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Londoner will fight novice boxer, and former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou, as a part of the Kingdom’s ongoing season. For both the fighters, this confrontation comes at a crucial time. For AJ, losing this could mean him not getting another chance to emerge world champion. For ‘The Predator’ on the other hand, his second stint in pro-boxing cannot be his second loss. So who will win? Rising heavyweight, Matty Harris has an answer.

Matty Harris has felt Francis Ngannou’s strength, but…

Last year, the Cameroonian French fighter, Francis Ngannou undertook his debut pro-fight against WBC champion, Tyson Fury, heralding the Riyadh season. That night, Ngannou proved to the world that his record-making, powerful punches can faze even the ‘ Gypsy King.’ In the end, through a thin margin, Fury won the fight. To prepare for the important clash, the former UFC fame roped in 5-1, record holder, Matty Harris as a sparring partner.

Following fashion, AJ also engaged in sparring sessions with Harris. According to the 24-year-old ‘Magic’, he sparred with the former two-time titlist, Joshua, last year. Having shared the ring with both Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, Matty Harris chose the former as his preferred contender for the upcoming clash. Why?

To Seconds Out, he explained, “AJ goes through him. Nah? AJ goes through him. The thing with Ngannou, that is quite challenging, I suppose, is his physical strength. He is incredibly, physically strong. And I imagine that was probably you know when you first clash with someone, when you first come into that first clinch, I imagine that would’ve probably caught Fury by surprise.” The Predator may thus have strength going for him, but in terms of skills inside the ring, AJ will take home the victory, according to Harris.

However, Harris is not the only one. AJ’s other former sparring partner too seems to agree with him.

Another sparring partner favors Anthony Joshua

As AJ enters the last leg of camp for the Ngannou fight, he’s leaving no stone unturned in bringing his most lethal self on fight night. For these efforts, he’s squared down against multiple sparring partners. One among them is 6-1, London-based heavyweight, Jeamie Tshikeva.

Also read: Oscar De La Hoya Explains Why Anthony Joshua Beats Francis Ngannou

One day, after sparring with AJ, ‘TKV’ appeared on Sky Sports Boxing to speak about it. While siding with AJ over Ngannou, the 30-year-old, noted, “I personally think AJ knocks him out. He’s fast. He’s got good movement, he moves his feet very well, and now he’s been working on certain things where every time he moves, you’ve got to be on point.”

Read More: Anthony Joshua Is Risking It All Against Francis Ngannou, but There’s an Upside

As weeks turn into days, the boxing world turns its attention toward Riyadh. Over there, a fight will ensue between AJ and Ngannou, a fight that could either break their careers or build it. Who do you see winning this fight? Take your picks in the comments section below.