Written by Elliot Worsell
It's entirely possible that young Francis Ngannou, who learned to box, was knocked out by the last right hand he received from Anthony Joshua on Friday (March 8), but he still hopes to continue his World Championship campaign. There is no doubt that there is support for this. It's a sport and a desire on his part to not want the story to end on such a boring note.
After all, six months ago, Ngannou had fought head-to-head against Tyson Fury, arguably the best heavyweight in the world. He was also announced as the “most dangerous puncher in the heavyweight division” by that night's MC Michael Buffer before boxing Joshua in Riyadh. More than that, he is now famous for boxing. face. Make money. A man that the heads of the Middle East fell head over heels in love with.
In other words, it may be difficult for Ngannou to accept his second-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua and view it as a lesson intended. reality check. There is still money left for future fights, and many other heavyweights would like to do to Ngannou what Joshua managed, so if the former UFC champion wants to continue, it could be an attractive move. There will be no shortage of opportunities.
Even Joshua, who had just given Ngannou some much-needed reality, seemed to want to see the Cameroonian stay in the sport after this fight. In fact, he told Ngannou to stay in the ring and keep going. He also said he would be willing to help with whatever it takes to ensure this happens. It was a kind and cruel act at the same time.
I say that because continuing to box is not the answer for Francis Ngannou. That's all we know. At least, continuing to box at this level against the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is not the answer for Francis Ngannou. Not when he's about to turn 38 in September and already has years of wear and tear on his body and brain from a career in mixed martial arts. Many at ringside said this was the scariest punch they had ever witnessed live, except when he was called out by a right hand.
Anthony Joshua lands a huge right hand on Francis Ngannou at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 8, 2024 (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
No, considering all of this, the last thing Francis Ngannou should do is return to a boxing gym or boxing ring any time soon. He was in pretty good shape Friday night, that's true, but an awkward stance and watermelon-sized balls don't guarantee success in the boxing ring. That's not to say Ngannou can't win fights as a boxer, but the reality is that the only fight people want him to be in, and probably the only fight his backers in the Middle East would order, is in the main event. For a recognizable name that has the power to imitate the Joshua he would become and turn him into bleak images and viral video clips.
Of course, that's not good news for Ngannou. It's not healthy either. But that may be the truth of the matter. After all, how attractive would other fights involving heavyweights a level or two below the likes of Ngannou, Fury, and Joshua be? Would there be much to gain from seeing him fight someone like Jiray Zhang, who lost to Joseph Parker, or Dillian Whyte, who returns to the ring this month after his recent performance? – The Enhancer Problem ? Probably not. But those two, like Fury and Joshua before them, will still start as heavy favorites against Ngannou, especially considering their recent losses, and this fight is a big deal for both them and us. It would be even less meaningful than a match between Ngannou and Fury. And Ngannou and Joshua.
Indeed, as harsh as it may sound, Ngannou's mystique has now been shattered. This was something that had built up and picked up the pace during the 10 rounds he shared with Fury in October, but was snatched away in one go by three of Joshua's right-handers (one in the first round, two in the next). I was disappointed. As a result, we not only laugh at the idea that Ngannou is “the most dangerous puncher in the heavyweight division,” according to Michael Buffer, but we also question his durability, if you will. . That's what he clearly demonstrated against Fury. last year. Now that we have been wiped out by Joshua, we may say we have seen the light. Ngannou saw it at the exact moment his own light went out.
Ngannou remains unconscious after receiving a right hand from Joshua (Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing)
danger zone
Zone A: Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua
bring the action: For Ngannou, the appeal has been and always will be financial, but he also felt it was wise to step into the zone when he was trailing Fury by a close margin in October. According to Fury, Ngannou had saved up over £7 million for that fight, and furthermore, rather than seeming like a sacrificial lamb or someone who was content to sell his body for cash, Ngannou actually had a reputation It is said that he rose from the battle of Fury with a high level of energy. . But then he met Anthony Joshua and his right-hand man. Now, as far as Ngannou is concerned, the appeal of fighters in this class, including Oleksandr Usyk, has diminished considerably.
danger: Meanwhile, Fury was content to outbox Ngannou – just – On his worst night, there was no such compassion for Joshua, who crushed Ngannou within two rounds. As for Usyk, the fight between the Ukrainian and Ngannou will probably fall somewhere in the middle. While perhaps not as explosive as Joshua's finish, it was just as empathetic and humiliating for Ngannou.
Oleksandr Usyk in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (François Nel/Getty Images)
Zone B: Joseph Parker, Filip Hrgovic, Jiray Chan, Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz
bring the action: These names are still big enough for a Ngannou fight to appeal to someone somewhere, but it's likely they'll end up appearing at the Saudi show as a main support contest rather than a main event. As such, Ngannou did not expect to receive anything like the paychecks he received for Fury and Joshua. But even on paper, and probably in reality, he would have a slightly better chance of winning, even if he is considered the second-best in every conceivable category.
danger: As with anything, the degree of risk varies depending on the opponent. For example, with Wilder, there's a good chance he could end the night in the same spot as Ngannou finished Friday night in Riyadh. On the other hand, losses against other teams may not be as intense, but would still be expected given the caliber of opponents Ngannou faces.
Joseph Parker (Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing)
Zone C: Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois, Otto Wallin, Luis Ortiz
bring the action: These fights certainly won't be a game-changer, but they could be a good barometer for Ngannou, an aspiring professional boxer. Because while he may be seen as an underdog against the powerhouses listed here, the 37-year-old has plenty of opportunities to aim higher, especially if he wants to continue making big money in the world. , because you don't have any time to look for them. middle east.
danger: Anyone in Zone C is dangerous for a novice like Ngannou, but at least at this level of the game, you'll likely find a recently defeated fighter, a slump, or an older heavyweight than him. In order to ultimately win as a professional boxer, Ngannou will need to prioritize this type of selective attitude over his previous attitudes. In other words, fight as big names as possible for as much money as possible. Otherwise, that zero will never change.
Joe Joyce before fighting Zhilei Zhang in April 2023 (James Chance/Getty Images)
