Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Briton lighter than ex-UFC champion for Saudi bout
At a lively weigh-in event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Francis Ngannou came in almost 21 pounds heavier than British fighter Anthony Joshua for their upcoming heavyweight fight on Friday.
The former UFC champ, who is taking part in only his second professional boxing match, tipped the scales at 19 stone and 6 pounds.
Joshua, who has won the world championship two times, weighed 252 pounds as the two fighters ended their week of pre-fight activities without any major arguments or confrontations.
"Want to know my prediction? I always come through, like a mail carrier," stated Joshua.
Three months ago, the individual who is 34 years old defeated Otto Wallin easily in Riyadh. They now aim to achieve their fourth victory within an 11-month time frame.
Nganou, who is 37 years old, weighed two pounds more than when he made his boxing debut and almost caused a major upset by giving WBC champion Tyson Fury a tough fight in October.
Ngannou stated that he is facing the top two boxing practitioners globally, despite only participating in his second boxing bout.
"I'm entering to demonstrate that even as an underdog, one can succeed and hold their position."
Nick Ball, a British fighter, is fully prepared for his chance to challenge Rey Vargas, the current WBC featherweight world champion, on the undercard.
The undefeated man from Liverpool, who is 27 years old, weighed in at 9st without going over. On the other hand, the Mexican fighter Vargas weighed in at 8st 13lb, which was a pound lighter.
The part of the Boulevard World theme park that represents Greece had two men who looked like they were sculpted out of stone and were reminiscent of Greek gods.
The anticipation for the fight has been low-key until the day before the event, when enthusiastic Ngannou supporters arrived.
Around a hundred fans of the French-Cameroonian boxer were present at the venue that resembled a Greek amphitheater. They were making noise with vuvuzela horns, which was overpowering the 'Oh Anthony Joshua' chants.
The two fighters were presented by the announcer Michael Buffer while hall of fame star Manny Pacquiao watched. In the background, pyrotechnics were set off as the theme song from the Rocky film blasted out.
Joshua, who was born in Watford, nearly matched his heaviest recorded weight when he stepped on the scale. Throughout the week leading up to the fight, he refrained from speaking too much. Instead, he expressed gratitude to God and acknowledged the positive energy in the room. Additionally, he showed respect for his opponent.
On the other hand, Ngannou had a slightly more vocal and lively demeanor.
At times, it brings a smile to my face as I am aware that we will duel according to the norms of boxing. But, in case it was a tussle under the regulations of mixed martial arts, I would easily defeat those individuals, he expressed.
The panel of judges has not reached a final verdict about Ngannou's skills in boxing, which makes Friday's main event even more captivating.
Four months ago, he decided to discard the script since he had demonstrated his capability of being a legitimate boxer after just 10 rounds against Fury. This convinced not only Joshua but also other individuals.
Fabio Wardley, who is the current heavyweight champion of Britain, expressed that Ngannou could potentially be a dangerous and strong rival due to the lack of high expectations placed upon him.
"He remained calm and collected in the face of Fury's aggression. He demonstrated his ability to dominate the match on occasion, effectively combining his punches. Moreover, he undeniably exhibited his resilience and strength."
Alternatively, some individuals believe that the world of boxing is becoming overly enthusiastic.
According to Wallin, who was Joshua's previous rival, he has solely engaged in one altercation. Nonetheless, he performed impressively in that fight. Wallin adds that boxing styles can greatly impact the outcome of a bout, and even Fury himself underestimated Joshua's abilities.
