Francis Ngannou has questioned whether Anthony Joshua will be able to take his power and has warned that he will test his chin when they meet in March.
Ngannou will face Joshua in just his second professional boxing match reportedly on March 8 in Saudi Arabia, with the bout set to be formally announced at a press conference in London on Monday.
The former UFC heavyweight champion sent WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury crashing to the canvas in the third round of their clash in October, before losing a contentious decision on his professional debut.
The 37-year-old has raised concerns over Joshua’s chin and admits he’s unsure if the Watford man would be the count should he connect with a similar punch to which he landed on ‘The Gypsy King.’
“If AJ takes the punch that Fury took,” Ngannou told The MMA Hour.
“Me too, I don’t guarantee that he’s going [to get] up.
“I’ve heard that he doesn’t have a chin.
“I’m going to find out.”
Joshua recorded three victories in 2023, the last a fifth round retirement win over Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
‘AJ’ had signed to fight Deontay Wilder prior to beating the Swede, but saw that long-awaited showdown go up in smoke following Wilder’s defeat to Joseph Parker earlier on the card.
Despite being impressed with the 34-year-old’s performances, Ngannou insists the former two-time heavyweight world champion will face far more firepower when they lock horns.
“He looked amazing,” the Cameroonian explained.
“Respect to him. Congratulations to him.
“He was doing his job properly. His speed was there. Everything. He was sharp, very sharp.
“But on the other hand, I think there wasn’t a response in front of him.
“I think I will have a better response in front of him that will put him not in such comfortable positions.
“So things will change. Things will be different.
“I will not stay there and just look at him.
“I’m going to throw some bombs out there for him to deal with.
“I think he’s going to be mindful of what he’s doing.”
