In a highly-anticipated fight in Saudi Arabia on Friday night, Anthony Joshua delivered a stunning performance, knocking down former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou for the first time in his career.
The British boxing sensation dominated the main event, securing a second-round finish with a powerful knockout that left Ngannou requiring oxygen.
This victory has sparked discussions about Joshua’s future, with expectations that he may face the winner of the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk undisputed title fight.
Ngannou’s Prediction and Battle of Britain Speculation
Despite his defeat, Ngannou expressed uncertainty about predicting the outcome if Joshua were to face Tyson Fury.
The former UFC champion leaned towards Joshua, stating, “I don’t know, I would give it to AJ for right now.” This has ignited curiosity about the hypothetical Battle of Britain clash between the two boxing giants.
Insights from Shared Opponents
To gather insights into the potential Joshua vs. Fury showdown, Mail Sport sought the opinions of shared opponents, including Kevin Johnson, Dillian Whyte, Wladimir Klitschko, and Otto Wallin.
Kevin Johnson’s Analysis
Kevin Johnson, who faced both Joshua and Fury in his career, emphasized Fury’s unique attributes, particularly his reach and movement.
While acknowledging Joshua’s superior skill, Johnson pointed out that Fury’s distinctive reach and defensive strategy present a significant challenge. He likened Fury’s style to having a “sniper rifle” and emphasized the difficulty of overcoming such reach in the ring.
Dillian Whyte’s Perspective
Dillian Whyte, having fought both Joshua and Fury, provided a nuanced view on the potential outcome.
He highlighted the unpredictability of heavyweight boxing, citing historical upsets, and emphasized the versatility shown by both fighters in different situations.
Recognizing the distinct styles and victories of Joshua and Fury, Whyte expressed the complexity of predicting a winner, underlining the uniqueness of each boxer’s journey.
Wladimir Klitschko’s Endorsement
Wladimir Klitschko, who experienced defeat at the hands of Fury and a victory against Joshua, unequivocally endorsed Joshua in a potential clash.
Klitschko praised Joshua’s comprehensive development, citing technical prowess, size, weight, and power. He contrasted Fury, likening him to “a fart in the wind,” emphasizing the lack of discipline that could hinder sustained success.
Otto Wallin’s Reflections
Otto Wallin, who faced both Fury and Joshua, reflected on the toughness of his bout with Joshua compared to the fight against Fury.
Wallin acknowledged the challenges presented by each opponent and expressed a shift in perspective after experiencing Joshua’s prowess firsthand.
Despite his initial inclination towards Fury, Wallin admitted a change in mindset after witnessing Joshua’s performance.
Conclusion: Varied Perspectives and Anticipation
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates a potential showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, the insights from shared opponents reveal a spectrum of opinions.
Each boxer’s unique strengths and styles, coupled with their shared adversaries’ perspectives, add layers of anticipation to the hypothetical Battle of Britain clash.
With the heavyweight landscape evolving, fans await the unfolding chapters in the journeys of these two formidable champions.