At times, when a lot is at stake, doubts seemingly run crisscross all through the narrative. Undoubtedly, fans are happy. Within the first quarter of the new year, they get to see two of the most sought-after fights of present times. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight next month for the undisputed championship.
Then, in March, Anthony Joshua will take on Francis Ngannou. Ideally, the fans’ delight would have overshot the boundaries of happiness. However, the way it appears, the elation seems to have ushered in a fair share of misgivings. The first heavyweight fight might receive a pass for the history it’s going to make. But the second one? Yesterday, boxing great Lennox Lewis reportedly raised a few questions concerning the soundness of the prospect. However, it seemingly caught Eddie Hearn‘s attention early today. The Matchroom boss then wasted no time in humoring the heavyweight division’s last undisputed title holder.
Fruitless Endeavor: Lennox Lewis
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The former heavyweight champion initially called it a “spectacle”—the October 28 match between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury. ‘The Lion’ pressed that even the March 8 fight with Anthony Joshua is nothing short of a pageant. But, giving credit where credit is due, the former heavyweight champion lauded Ngannou for capitalizing on the opportunities that came his way.
Ngannou’s fight with @Tyson_Fury was a spectacle. This fight with AJ is also a spectacle. Hats off to Ngannou for making the most of his opportunities. He’s done nothing wrong. This is just the HW division in the year 2024. 🤷🏾🤦🏽♂️😑 https://t.co/4z6GMNh9RB
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) January 15, 2024
Whatever is said and done, the developments laid bare the heavyweight division’s current state of affairs, as Lennox Lewis mentioned. A user suggested that after the last bout against Fury, Ngannou has credibility.
Responding to the comment, ‘The Lion’ added that the fight with ‘The Predator’ barely adds a punch to Joshua’s resume. He would be carrying everyone’s expectation to win the bout. Nevertheless, in his case, how’s he going to benefit if he turns out to be the winner?
IMO, this fight adds ZERO credibility to AJ’s resume. He’s SUPPOSED to win this fight and when he does, what does he gain or learn by beating someone in his second HW fight? If he loses, than it’s an absolute disaster. The same stood for Fury and it almost cost him everything. 🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/t4cG5N7VmC
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) January 16, 2024
For that matter, what precisely would be his learnings from inflicting a loss on a boxer entering his second pro boxing match? If Joshua fails to win, then it will be disastrous for his career. Tyson Fury reached that point last October, said Lewis.
It was about time. Eddie Hearn probably thought it prudent to release the ace of spades. Revealing the strategic move in the negotiations, he updated the latest news on the probability of an all-winners clash.
But there’s light at the end of the tunnel: Eddie Hearn
The new undisputed champion to come out of the Fury-Usyk match might have to defend his title from the winner of the Joshua-Ngannou fight. The English promoter posited that if ‘AJ’ comes out as the winner on March 8 and then defeats the newly crowned undisputed champion, he would also join the exclusive undisputed club of which Lennox Lewis is also a big part. “Listen in to yesterday…the winner fights the winner of Fury v. Usyk for Undisputed, and when AJ joins your club, I know you will be delighted for him,” said Eddie Hearn.
Listen in to yesterday..the winner fights the winner of Fury v Usyk for Undisputed and when AJ joins your club I know you will be delighted for him 😉 https://t.co/reAjQLZBoN
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) January 17, 2024
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Undoubtedly, a lot is at stake for Anthony Joshua in comparison to Francis Ngannou. He had been a unified champion, so undisputed should be the natural follow-up. However, Lennox Lewis rightfully worries that a loss would once again be put in front of the naysayers and skeptics. After the Usyk losses, it took nearly a year and a-half for him to stand where he is today. So as he turns 35 this year, would he have the wherewithal to launch another comeback?
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Do you agree with what Lennox Lewis pointed out in the Joshua-Ngannou fight? Please share your views with us in the comments below.
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