Photo Credit: Lapresse
It's safe to say that after fighting Tyson Fury,Francis Ngannou proved the entire world he has the necessary chops to be considered a boxer. In fact, he was added to the WBC rankings right after that fight. But looking at the effect this fight had in his life and his career, Ngannou is ready for more. Only this time, he wants to propose his own set of rules and bring a boxer into his arena. The one he decided to call out was none other than Anthony Joshua, who is set to fight next December in Saudi Arabia. Francis was a guest on the 'Club Shay Shay' podcast to talk about the future and what his career will be like over the next few months. Ngannou decided to diretly challenge Anthony Joshua in a fight with different rules.
Here's what Francis said: "Anything that he wants. Ring or octagon. The good thing is I'm the one that can go everywhere comfortably. My comfort zone will be the octagon, but I'm going to the ring and putting them in a bad spot in the ring. I have my territory [in MMA] where they cannot mess with me. If they come, they will need something like some favour, like, 'I'll give you this, we'll take kicks out.' I have to give him something, but when we step in the ring, they don't give me anything and I still get them in trouble. Even Tyson Fury said the same thing and Tyson Fury is better than Anthony Joshua. What do I care about what people say? I've been in this game for so long. I've seen so much. I've heard so much what people intend to do. There's a difference between wanting to do and be able to do."
Would Anthony Joshua accept Francis Ngannou's challenge?
No disrespect for Anthony Joshua but it is highly unlikely he would accept the challenge from Francis Ngannou under mixe rules. If it was a boxing match, perhaps promoter Eddie Hearn would try to convince Joshua but only if it was a boxing match. Joshua is not an MMA fighter, he would struggle a little too much with take downs or kicks from anybody. However, this challenge from Ngannou and being placed under Tyson Fury as a fighter has to sting.
