The countdown has begun. Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou faced each other and addressed the media during the kick-off press conference in London. The former heavyweight boxing champion and the former UFC heavyweight champion will fight on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Talks for a bout between Joshua and Ngannou reportedly gathered pace after the latter shook up Tyson Fury on October 28 last year. For worthy opponents, the two share a common African heritage. So where does that fit in view of the big battle appearing on the horizon? ‘AJ’, it seems, appears clear where he stands. From his training camp, Anthony Joshua joined Ariel Helwani over a video call.

In the backdrop of nationalistic zeal: Anthony Joshua assures brutal showdown

The recipient of the 2023 MMA journalist of the year award asked if he was going to fight a fighter who was also of African descent. More so, Ngannou has done quite a lot for his home country, Cameroon. Given that the sole objective of both fighters is to completely outshine the other, Helwani wanted to know whether their national pride—Joshua being originally from Nigeria and ‘The Predator’ from Cameroon—played a role in pushing for a win.

“For you to fight a another fighter of African descent, right? He…he has done such great things for Cameroon….Francis I know you want to beat him, and I know he’s trying to take something that you want as well, but is there some pride you know to…I know you’re very proud of your your African heritage as well. Uh, you representing Nigeria him Cameroon. Is there some pride to be fighting a fellow African fighter?” asked Ariel Helwani.

Anthony Joshua replied that national pride did play some part. However, ultimately, in the end, it was all about fighting. He said, “There is, but right now no lives matter. This is a straight war. I’ll be real with you, it’s war. We’re at war. This isn’t like they say there’s no friends at war, so I respect the guy. As you said, he’s done well all that good stuff, but we we’re fighting …”

Earlier, the two had even discussed Ben Davison continuing with his training responsibilities. They dwelled a bit on Joshua’s boxing journey, especially after the loss during the second Usyk match as well.

After the setbacks of the Usyk fights, ‘AJ’ redeemed himself last year, winning three crucial bouts, one after the other, indisputably. Francis Ngannou, on the other hand, after his departure from the UFC, made his boxing intentions clear. His pro-boxing debut against ‘The Gypsy King’ exceeded everyone’s expectations. Thus, a big payday between Joshua and Ngannou seemed natural and perhaps imminent. As things are taking shape in the heavyweight division, the winner on March 8 might even have a bigger task at hand.

Read More: Boxing Rumors: Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou Could Make $70 Million in Just Fight Purse

What’s your take on the Joshua-Ngannou fight? Who is your pick to win on March 8? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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