Anthony Joshua is on the verge of facing an opponent who made his pro-boxing debut just a few months ago. But the very first entry proved more than enough for Francis Ngannou to make a resounding statement. Shocking everyone, he forced a reigning heavyweight champion to pass by a narrow margin. So would he be able to manage a similar feat against ‘AJ’?

Not in the least likelihood, feels Oscar De La Hoya. The former world champion-turned-ace promoter believes fighting the former unified heavyweight champion, despite the reversals, is an all-together different ball game. So in this case, a surprise might as well lie in waiting for ‘The Predator’. Joshua and Ngannou will face each other on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a non-title match.

Oscar De La Hoya: Anthony Joshua, with single-minded determination and razor-sharp

“AJ’s, I think AJ’s laser-focused right now,” said Oscar De La Hoya. The English boxer might be completely occupied with the training. However, it doesn’t squash the fact that Francis Ngannou is now well-equipped to get inside the boxing ring and give a good account of himself. “So I think Ngannou, I think Ngannou proved that he can go in there inside the boxing ring and hold his own,” said The Golden Boy Promotion chief.

But soon he added that, on account of his ability to pay undivided attention, Anthony Joshua will have an upper hand over the Cameroonian-French fighter. De La Hoya said, “But I think the fact that ‘AJ’ is laser-focused I think he’s going to beat him.” The Olympic gold medalist was speaking with Fight Hub TV.

Probably, ‘The Golden Boy’s assessment could be primarily based on the fact that with Francis Ngannou, the element of surprise no longer exists. Back in the bout with Tyson Fury, he came with a fearsome reputation as a heavy-hitting mixed martial artist. Hence, it was anyone’s guess when it came to gauging his prowess in boxing. After all, no one expected a debutant boxer to knock down a highly regarded heavyweight champion. But now, against ‘AJ’, his techniques, fighting style, and habits would have become more obvious.

The Champion of Champions

The March 8 bout is critical for both boxers. Per an earlier update, whoever wins the fight might receive a chance to face the winner of the Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk match. Both the champions were supposed to have duked it out two days ago. But they are now meeting again on May 18 to settle the heavyweight division’s long-pending, undisputed argument. Thus, both Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou have a promising opportunity to become undisputed champions if they play their cards smartly.

Read More: Francis Ngannou Destroys Anthony Joshua’s ‘Gimmick’ Remark With a Reality Check

Do you agree with Oscar De La Hoya’s take on the Joshua-Ngannou contest? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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