Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has cast his vote in the long-awaited Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua clash, tipping ‘The Gypsy King’ to come out on top. Drawing on his own battles with both fighters—going the distance with Fury and falling to Joshua—Ngannou’s insider view adds fresh intrigue to the Netflix-backed super-fight set for later this year.
Ngannou’s insider edge from UFC to boxing ring
Ngannou is one of the few athletes to have faced Fury and Joshua in separate bouts, combining his UFC pedigree with hard-earned boxing lessons. In October 2023, he pushed Fury through all 12 rounds, even scoring a knockdown, before turning professional boxer in a tune-up fight where Joshua stopped him inside two rounds. That unique crossover has shaped Ngannou’s analysis, making his Fury prediction notable among fight pundits and MMA fans alike.
Why Fury holds the slight advantage
“If I have to favour somebody it’s going to be very slight,” Ngannou told The Schmo. “I will go for Fury, because he is very slick. He does well with professional boxing, he only doesn’t understand [how to deal with an opponent] when it’s not a pro boxer.” He believes Fury’s unorthodox movement and defensive mastery in boxing outweigh Joshua’s raw power, even as both men edge past their physical primes in what promises to be an evenly matched contest.
Road to the super-fight and tune-up in Riyadh
The Fury vs Joshua showdown has been confirmed for later this year on Netflix, although AJ must first face a tune-up opponent in Riyadh this summer. That bout is designed to sharpen Joshua’s timing before he meets Fury, whose last outing delivered a unanimous decision win. With both heavyweights seeking to cement their legacy, Ngannou’s verdict adds another layer to the heavyweight saga ahead of the global Netflix broadcast.
As fight week approaches, Ngannou’s prediction underscores the tantalising uncertainty of two boxing greats colliding after years of anticipation. His blend of UFC success and boxing experience offers a rare lens on who might emerge victorious in this historic super-fight.
FAQ
Who did Francis Ngannou pick to win?
Ngannou backed Tyson Fury to defeat Anthony Joshua, citing Fury’s slick boxing skills and movement.
When will the Fury vs Joshua super-fight take place?
The bout is set for later this year and will stream globally on Netflix, pending Joshua’s tune-up fight in Riyadh.
Why must Anthony Joshua fight in Riyadh first?
AJ’s Riyadh outing is a tune-up designed to sharpen his reflexes and timing before facing Fury.
What gives Ngannou credibility on this prediction?
As a former UFC heavyweight champion who sparred with both men professionally, Ngannou draws on direct ring experience with Fury and Joshua.
