SUMMARY
- Anthony Joshua declared war against Francis Ngannou as the former claimed 'no lives matter'.
- Joshua willl face Ngannou on March 8, 2024, in Saudi Arabia.
Anthony Joshua has declared war against Cameroon-born Francis Ngannou. The fighters are set to meet each other in the boxing ring on March 8, 2024. Recently, they had their first official press conference and face-off. Ngannou’s boxing debut has made him a formidable force in the sport. Joshua, a two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, will not take him lightly.
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour, Joshua, who possesses Nigerian heritage, was asked, “Is there some pride to be fighting a fellow African fighter?”
Joshua responded with a no-holds-barred answer. He said, “There is but right now no lives matter. This a straight war. I’ll be real with you. It’s war. We’re at war. This is like they say ‘there’s no friends at war’. So, I respect the guy as you said he’s done well all that good stuff but we’re fighting.”
Ngannou, who made his boxing debut against Tyson Fury, is one of the biggest names in MMA. He was doubted by many to be able to perform against Fury in his first-ever boxing outing. However, Ngannou shut down all doubters with his fearless display. He knocked down Fury and dominated the first few rounds. However, Fury controversially won the match via decision.
First poster for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou ‘Knockout Chaos’ on March 8th in Saudi Arabia… pic.twitter.com/QS8FiaUdxk
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) January 15, 2024
On the other hand, Joshua (27-3) is another formidable opponent for Ngannou. The British boxer has gone toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in boxing. He was set to face Deontay Wilder next, however, that situation took an abrupt turn.
Anthony Joshua chose the Francis Ngannou fight over a fight against Deontay Wilder
Joshua and Deontay Wilder fought on the same card in Saudi Arabia in December 2023. Joshua defeated Otto Wallin, meanwhile, Wilder lost to Joseph Parker. Reports suggested that Joshua was set to face Wilder soon after the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card. However, a fight between Joshua and Ngannou was abruptly announced.
‼️ Joseph Parker BEATS Deontay Wilder by unanimous decision. Massive upset as Parker executes the perfect game plan to nullify Wilder’s strengths, avoid his famous right hand and obliterate all plans for an Anthony Joshua fight in 2024. Astonishing.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 23, 2023
Upon being asked about it, Joshua said, “So I thought it might be Wilder still because the contracts were signed and it’s still a big fight, still an amazing fight. It’s a crossover between the UK and USA – good stuff promotional wise still a good fight. So now I kind of let that one slide for a bit. It was like the Hrgovic and the Ruiz situation and then Francis there.
“My team were like this is a good opportunity, on this day in Saudi Arabia against this opponent, what you saying I said ‘let’s roll’.”
Wilder’s loss to Parker and his lackluster performance seemed to have played a role in the fight being scrapped for now. The former UFC Heavyweight champion seemed to be the better choice, according to Joshua’s team.