JOSHUA HAS NOU RESPECT
Brit star Ant: Francis’ journey is incredible... but I’ll now end it
March 8, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
ANTHONY JOSHUA has been inspired by Francis Ngannou’s journey – even though he plans to end it in March.
The British heavyweight star takes on the MMA fighter in a 10-round clash in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua, 34, is hoping an impressive knockout can fire up interest in a Tyson Fury showdown after the Gypsy King was almost upset by Ngannou last October. The Cameroonborn fighter made it to the top of UFC after travelling as a refugee from Africa to Europe, which included harrowing journeys by sea and truck. And that has inspired Joshua. “The journey he has taken, he’s a go-getter,” said AJ. “He is someone who sets a goal and goes and gets it. To travel across the desert. He said people that travel across there, they fall off the car or back of the truck and they’re left to die.
“Think of how many people you know that have come before you that have tried that same route and you’re going through it. It takes a lot to travel the Mediterranean he crossed. He said he couldn’t swim, either. “He is someone who searched for a better life – and he’s doing it in one of the toughest sports, combat sport.” Ngannou (left) almost stunned the world when he floored Fury on his boxing debut before the Gypsy King recovered to edge out a win on points.
It was clear Fury had expected it to be a walkover.
Joshua added: “Would I have underestimated him? No, I know the guy can fight. He can move, he can come forward, so it’ll be good to see how I deal with that – and how he deals with me, too.”