Did Anthony Joshua Expose Francis Ngannou? Lennox Lewis Shares His Thoughts

3 straight right hands and 3 knockdowns, and the last was enough to bag a sensational win for Anthony Joshua (28-3). He might have laid to rest the boxing vs. MMA debate in the squared circle as he knocked Francis Ngannou (0-2) out cold in the second round. However, the former UFC champion had a better night on his debut against Tyson Fury (34-0-1). So what changed exactly? Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis answered.

‘The Predator’ had two contrasting nights in his two boxing fights. While he sailed through against ‘The Gypsy King’ and almost pulled an upset, ‘AJ’ proved to be an uphill task. So what separates the two fights? What exactly did Joshua do better?

Lewis details the difference between AJ’s and Tyson Fury’s approach

Lennox Lewis turned to his X handle and explained the differences between how Joshua and Fury approached the fight against Ngannou. The former world champion believes it was all about pedigree as a boxer, which Ngannou lacked, and Joshua exposed it. Meanwhile, Fury, 35, didn’t acknowledge the threat in Ngannou and almost paid for it with a loss.

Lewis wrote, “As I’ve always said, it’s all about the pedigree. AJ did what he was supposed to do and also exposed the difference pedigree and experience make…and before u start talking about Fury, he took Ngannou lightly and almost paid for it. AJ did not!”

Read More: Refusing To Put Down Francis Ngannou, Anthony Joshua Leaves Unexpected Message for His Boxing Future After 2nd Round KO

Joshua recognized the power and boxing prowess of Ngannou and saw it as a monumental fight to establish his title credentials. The same was reflected when he issued a heartfelt message for the former UFC champion after he had floored him.

Anthony Joshua asked Francis Ngannou not to leave boxing

In the post-fight interview, the 34-year-old boxer said, “He’s [Francis Ngannou] an inspiration. He’s a great champion, and this result doesn’t take anything away from his capabilities. I told him he shouldn’t leave boxing. He can do well. He’s fought two of the best.“

The British boxer is now eyeing a title fight against the winner of Oleksandr Usyk and Fury, slated for May. Meanwhile, Francis will return to the MMA fold, and fulfill his contractual obligations with the PFL. But you can expect him to be back in the boxing ring soon.

“Maybe MMA, but you can be sure that I’m not done here [in boxing]. Absolutely not. I’m not done.” Ngannou stated in the post-match interview when asked about his plans after the devastating loss.

What do you make of this comment by Lennox Lewis? Do you agree with his assessment of Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: “Man Hit Francis Ngannou So Hard Tyson Fury Felt It”: Gypsy King’s Reaction to Anthony Joshua’s Knockout Win Draws Wild Response from Boxing World