Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou press conference LIVE: Latest updates ahead of fight in Saudi Arabia
Re-live updates after the fighters shared a stage and traded words, two days before their heavyweight clash
Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou went face to face at a press conference on Wednesday, just 48 hours before fight night in Saudi Arabia.
Former two-time heavyweight champion Joshua will box Ngannou, a former UFC champion, in Riyadh on Friday (8 March), in the latter’s second fight in the sport. The Cameroonian, 37, made his boxing debut in October, flooring WBC champion Tyson Fury en route to a controversial decision loss.
Now Ngannou has returned to Riyadh for another clash with a Briton, as he prepares to face “AJ”, 34. Joshua’s last fight also came in the Saudi city, as he stopped Otto Wallin in five rounds in December. With that, the Olympic gold medalist made it three wins from three fights in 2023, following his stoppage of Robert Helenius and decision victory over Jermaine Franklin.
Joshua vs Ngannou has been billed as “Knockout Chaos”, but before the heavyweights trade punches, they traded words at Wednesday’s press conference. Re-live updates below.
Joshua vs Ngannou press conference LIVE
Eddie Hearn: “Every fight is important in this process to regain the heavyweight title. That’s what [Joshua] wants to do.
“This fight came out of nowhere [...] Ngannou earned the right to fight any heavyweight in the world. It’s a remarkable run as a fighter, and it’s a real challenge [for Joshua], but I don’t see any aspect that Francis is better in than Anthony. But he’s strong and he’s dangerous.”
Joshua vs Ngannou press conference LIVE
Ngannou: “I’m gonna leave everything in that ring on Friday night to come away with the win.”
Joshua vs Ngannou press conference LIVE
Ngannou admits that he struggled with 10 rounds against Fury, and that he may again on Friday, but that it’s a “learning process”.
Ngannou’s longest MMA fight was five five-minute rounds, but he is accustomed to knocking out opponents VERY early...
He also threatens to wipe the ring with Fury if they fight again (Fury is barking at Ngannou from the front row of the crowd).
“Respect the fact that the rules of boxing are protecting you.”
Joshua vs Ngannou press conference LIVE
Ngannou, when asked whether his body shots in yesterday’s open workout were a clue about his tactics on Friday: “Every space that I have, I’m gonna hit. Don’t you worry about what’s a clue.”
Ngannou also credits AJ on a “flawless” performance against Otto Wallin in December.
Joshua vs Ngannou press conference LIVE
Francis Ngannou: “I think I haven’t shocked the world yet. I’m still in the ‘factory’, training, learning. When I really get it, that’s when I think the world is really gonna be shocked.
“I think I trust the process and the work that we’re putting in, so it’s gonna pay off.”
Joshua vs Ngannou press conference LIVE
Parker: “I feel dangerous, I really do, and Zhang’s going to feel the danger.”
There are also a couple of euphemistic puns from the New Zealander about Zhang’s “Big Bang” nickname.
Joshua vs Ngannou press conference LIVE
Zhang: “Joseph Parker is a hell of a fighter. He’s young, he’s hungry, and he’s coming for the belt.
“I’m the tiger here. If you want to hunt, if you want to take the food out of my mouth, you’ll pay the price.”
Joshua vs Ngannou press conference LIVE
In his last fight, in November, Vargas suffered his first pro loss. However, that was up at super-featherweight, as he was outpointed by WBC champion O’Shaquie Foster
Joshua vs Ngannou press conference LIVE
Ball says he didn’t actually enjoy walking out to “Friday I’m In Love”. That’s a real shame.
He says of Friday: “It’s massive isn’t it, you only have to look around to see what’s happening. I’m made up to be here, I’m gonna take [the opportunity] with both hands.
“[Vargas] is No 1 for now, but come Friday night, that’s gonna change.
“I’m just chilling.”
Joshua vs Ngannou press conference LIVE
Eddie Hearn: “This is [Joshua’s] fourth fight in 11 months. It’s a message to all flagship fighters: You have to stay active.
“It’s been a blessing [...] I’ve never seen him punching with such ferocity, I’ve never seen him with such confidence, and I believe he’s the best heavyweight in the world – I do.
“I didn’t give [Ngannou] any chance against Fury, no chance of winning a round, but he won everybody’s respect that night. We take him seriously.”
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