“We Rank Him Higher Than AJ”: Former Pro Boxer Ropes in Tyson Fury’s Example While Remaining Brutally Honest on Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou

Is facing Francis Ngannou the right move for Anthony Joshua? Ngannou has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in his bout against Tyson Fury. Subsequently, the risk involved for Joshua increases as Ngannou is a formidable opponent. Yet, a section of the boxing world finds this bout to be a cash grab. Not to mention, ‘AJ’, may not even get praise if he does beat the former Heavyweight champion of the UFC.

However, David Coldwell, a former professional boxer, thinks it is quite a good match-up given the circumstances. His comments bear a thought as he provides a holistic view. So let’s wait no further and drive right in at his comments.

David Coldwell on why Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou makes sense

David Coldwell thinks the match-up should not attract criticism. Why? Because Ngannou, in his last fight, dropped Tyson Fury and made him look vulnerable. In the boxing world, there exists a narrative that suggests Fury has a better chin and skills than AJ. So, if Ngannou can neutralize those attributes, it would be easier for him to face a lesser version. Reflecting on the same, in an interview with Boxing Social, he stated, “Fury got better chin out of the two. Ngannou dropped Fury, right, so we say that Fury has got better boxing skills and he is a much bigger, more elite boxer than AJ. In that fight, did it look like Fury was comfortable and was easily outboxing the novice Ngannou, no it didn’t.”

However, despite having a title shot he could have pursued, Joshua is willing to test it, a decision that Coldwell believes should be lauded.“We rank him (Tyson Fury) higher than AJ. So, for Anthony Joshua to know that he has got a world title shot coming up with IBF, that’s pretty much he wants to go that route, he’s got that. To then actually be willing to go against a guy that has shown the two attributes the man that is supposed to be better at those two things and put massive dents in those two attributes that Fury had, to then go against Ngannou himself, I think that’s fair,” Coldwell stated.

Moreover, he adds that this is a legitimate match-up and can act as a tune-up fight for the former champion. He added, “It’s a good non-title, tune-up, warm-up.” The former professional does make some coherent points and gives Ngannou as well as Joshua due credit. Meanwhile, Ngannou can sense a shift in people’s perceptions and opinions about him as a boxer, especially after his bout with Fury.

A changed perception about Francis Ngannou

For the longest time, Ngannou was scoffed at. However, after his fight with Fury, many notable personalities like David Coldwell gave him credit. The MMA fighter takes cognizance of the same and does not shy away from admitting it. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, he stated, “You know, you can tell that they are giving me- showing me some respect, like okay- ‘don’t count this guy out.’”

Read more: Francis Ngannou Reveals His Sparring Partner for High Intense Anthony Joshua Fight

This change in narrative would provide Ngannou with a boost in his confidence ahead of his fight against AJ. Moreover, as the fight gets closer, tensions and speculations are sure to find their way into the media. So we ask you, how do you see this bout playing out? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

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