Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight predictions

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou - Who wins and how?

Heavyweights Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24KO) and Francis Ngannou (0-1) will meet over 12 rounds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on March 8, 2024.

These boxing behemoths are set to bank big bucks, with their fight purses confirmed for eight-figures. But, the biggest prize will be a chance to be in pole position for a world title shot, with Joshua likely to become No.1 in four of the five governing bodies this month, currently ranked second in the WBC and WBA, and first with the WBO and IBO. His IBF #3 position will increase to #2, but Filip Hrgovic will retain the top spot. 

So, money aside, WBC #10 Ngannou will be incentivised to smash and grab AJ's world rankings, but the Watford warrior has worked hard to get himself back in position for a title shot, where he has a burning ambition to become a three-time world champion.

Both boxers are big, muscly, powerful and determined, but who wins and how? GBN's panel of experts shared their thoughts below:

 

Frazer Clarke Unbeaten heavyweight

"The good thing is about that one [Ngannou], we've already had a look at him now.

"Before Fury was like the tester. He had to get in there when he wasn't quite sure and neither were we about what he was going to get.

"I think he [Joshua] can beat him and can beat him well.

"If the world title is your aim, then I would probably say you'll want a more competitive name on your resume to get back to that stage.

"You've been at the top, you've come down a bit, and you've now just fought Otto Wallin to bridge the gap. Maybe you need to bridge the gap again to the next level up to get you ready for the world titles. I'm not sure if Ngannou is that?

"Saying that he had a good performance against Fury, but then again, what does it come down to? I hate having this conversation with people, because it's not what people want to hear, but pound notes is a massive thing in boxing and I think ultimately that will do the talking."

 

Abel Sanchez World champion boxing trainer

"AJ will be cautious early, but will then slowly show his skill dominance and may get a referee stoppage in the late rounds, but a wide decision is probably the more likely outcome."

 

Ben Day Former Southern Area champion

"People are losing their mind about this, Francis did amazing against Fury and, in some peoples eyes, beat him; even put him on his arse, what an inspiration he is and such a story!

"I think after Francis’s performance against Fury he well deserves this fight against AJ, and it could be closer than most people think, having said that, I do think AJ wins on points and many may not agree but I think they are technically quite similar and it will be exciting at times."

 

Tim Rickson BBN Editor

"Ngannou did a lot better than expected against Fury, but definitely did not win the fight. Francis' swiping left hook that knocked Fury down in the third round shows that he is able to land his big shots, so he is a real danger. He took some big right hands from Fury and didn't show any signs of being hurt, so he has a good chin. He showed plenty of aggression and confidence, spending most of the fight on the frontfoot. Yes, it was his professional boxing debut, but he begun his combat training as a boxer, then was converted to MMA when he arrived in France, and he is known for his punching power and prowess, but that said, it was still a big surprise to see who well he performed against Fury.

"AJ is enjoying a good run of form, with three wins on the spin after back to back losses to Oleksandr Usyk. I was actually quite impressed with his points win over Jermaine Franklin, who I thought just nicked it against Dillian Whyte, but was denied on the scorecards. He showed a lot of improvements in that win against a durable, once-beaten boxer, looking technically better and more intelligent than before. Then he scored that stunning one-punch knockout over Helenius to show he still has that explosiveness he becamed famed for. Then, against Wallin, he broke the southpaw down and retired him early after a one-sided beatdown.

"AJ has been beating all his rivals' opponents, to draw comparisons and reignite potential fights, such as the big one with Fury. He will be so determined to handle Ngannou better than Fury did to show he is better and become the favourite when anyone discusses that fight.

"I rate AJ as a better boxer than Ngannou, but think it could be a close contest between them, but one that Joshua is always in control of and on top. Ngannou doesn't have the element of surprise after his performance against Fury, so he won't be taken lightly this time. AJ could set traps or line Ngannou up for some big shots, but I'm not sure if he can knock him out after he showed his durability against Tyson. But I think Joshua will be technically better and able to box intelligently to dominate this fight behind his superior reach.

"So, right now I'm picking Joshua to win on points."

 

Hector Franco Fansided MMA writer

"While he was highly underestimated against Fury, Ngannou had the advantage of the unknown heading into that match. He won’t have that same trump card against Joshua. Unlike Fury, Joshua won’t be coming off a 10-month layoff and will be looking to gain a measure of bragging rights over his UK rival by defeating Ngannou.

"Joshua has shown massive amounts of vulnerability, mainly when opponents apply pressure and aren’t afraid to take the fight to him. Ngannou’s best course of action is to get into a brawl with Joshua with the likelihood of coming out on top. However, Joshua has plenty of motivation to make a statement against Ngannou and should be the one who has his hands raised with a stoppage victory."

 

Burim Sylejmani FIDES Sports promoter

"After the last performance of Ngannou against Fury, and after the last performance of Joshua against Wallin, this will be a great fight.

"But I think Joshua is the better boxer and will win the fight."

 

Oscar Pick BBN writer

"My prediction is that Joshua will beat Ngannou by unanimous decision.

"He will use his jab and advanced footwork to full effect, controlling the distance so that Ngannou cannot get near him. I see it being a one-sided fight without Joshua getting the stoppage, because Ngannou proved in the Fury fight that he is able to take a shot well."

 

Marshall Kauffman Kings Boxing promoter 

"Anthony Joshua should easily dismantle Francis Ngannou.

"I can see Joshua stopping him within six rounds and making a statement."

 

Sam Condy BBN writer

"Ngannou shocked the boxing world in October when he faced off against Fury. He looked sharp, composed and competitive in the ring. If you watched his UFC fights you knew that he possessed vicious punching power. However, no one expected him to look like he had every right to share the ring with arguably the best heavyweight in the world right now.

"I think a big part of how good Ngannou looked is down to how bad Fury was on the night. The WBC heavyweight champion underestimated him, looked unfit and sluggish. Now that the world has seen that Ngannou can pose a serious threat, he will not be taken lightly again.

"AJ is coming off the back of three good wins and will be looking to forcibly beat the man that many believe should have dethroned the heavyweight king. I thought we had long seen the last of a prime AJ, but his victory over Wallin has made me believe otherwise. Joshua looked confident in the ring, he was unfazed by Wallin and stalked him constantly, landing powerful pocket shots and combinations, breaking the Swede down and eventually forcing his opponent to retire early from the bout.

"It appears Joshua has regained the confidence in himself that Usyk and Ruiz stripped from him, and I think he will come into this fight looking to make a statement. Ngannou will always pose a threat and AJ will have to be careful, as a clean shot from the former UFC champion could spark trouble. Nevertheless, AJ is the technically superior boxer and holds some serious punching power of his own.

"Nagnnou showed in his maiden boxing voyage that he can take some serious punishment and come out the other end looking unfazed. He will not be an easy matchup for AJ by any means, but I think AJ will use his massive experience advantage to pick Ngannou apart with a variety of high and low pocket punches and combinations, eventually breaking him down.

"I believe AJ will manage to force a stoppage victory in the later rounds of the fight."

 

Arijan Goricki IBO International title contender

"My prediction is that fight could be good one, but depends on what AJ shows up. They are both punchers, so it could get interesting, but in the end I see Joshua as a winner."

 

Things you didn’t know about Anthony Joshua

Things you didn't know about Francis Ngannou