Discover what’s next for Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua after their heavyweight showdown. Explore the potential paths for both fighters and the uncertainties they face in their respective careers.
| Ngannou’s Brutal Reality Check |
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| Ngannou faced a reality check in his fight against Joshua. Joshua’s boxing experience and skills proved too much for Ngannou, resulting in a devastating knockout. |
| Joshua’s Road to Redemption |
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| After consecutive losses to Usyk, Joshua faced a critical point in his career. However, he bounced back with victories against Franklin, Helenius, Wallin, and Ngannou, aiming to regain his status as a top heavyweight boxer. |
| The Future for Ngannou |
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| Ngannou is currently under contract with PFL but has yet to compete in their cage. A potential matchup with Ferreira could provide him with an opportunity to regain momentum in the MMA world. |
| Joshua’s Next Move |
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| Joshua’s future depends on the Fury vs. Usyk rematch outcome. If the loser activates the rematch clause, Joshua could potentially fight Hrgovic for the vacant IBF title. Alternatively, he may face the winner in a lucrative fight. |
The Future of Ngannou and Joshua
In a stunning turn of events, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou was defeated by Anthony Joshua in a thrilling bout last Friday in Saudi Arabia. The fight lasted less than two rounds, with Joshua delivering a thunderous knockout blow that left Ngannou unconscious on the canvas.
This fight has sent both fighters in different directions. Joshua, a two-time former unified heavyweight champion, now has the momentum to fight for a world title. However, Ngannou faces a tough decision between continuing his boxing career with less prestigious fights or returning to the MMA cage where he gained popularity and success.
To understand what’s next for both fighters, let’s examine the circumstances surrounding their recent fights and their potential future paths.
Ngannou’s Brutal Reality Check
For Ngannou, the fight with Joshua was a harsh reality check. In his previous fight against Fury, Ngannou faced a seemingly out-of-shape opponent who didn’t take him seriously. However, Joshua is a pure boxer with extensive experience and a solid track record in the ring. He capitalized on Ngannou’s lack of boxing experience, using his jab and feints to set up a devastating right hand that knocked Ngannou down multiple times, ultimately resulting in a brutal knockout.
Joshua’s Road to Redemption
After back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua found himself at a critical point in his career. A fight with Fury has always been his goal, but the losses derailed his momentum. Determined to regain his status, Joshua returned to the ring and secured victories against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and now Ngannou. While he may currently rank as the No. 3 heavyweight boxer, Joshua’s next steps remain uncertain.
The Future for Ngannou
Ngannou is currently under contract with PFL but has yet to fight in their cage. A potential matchup with Renan Ferreira, who recently knocked out Ryan Bader, could provide Ngannou with the opportunity to regain momentum in the MMA world. Returning to the sport where he was once considered the best heavyweight fighter would be a fitting move for Ngannou.
Joshua’s Next Move
Joshua’s future largely depends on the outcome of the Fury vs. Usyk rematch scheduled for May. If the loser of the bout activates the rematch clause, the IBF has stated that they will strip the winner for not fighting mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic. In this scenario, Joshua could potentially fight Hrgovic for the vacant IBF title, giving him a chance to reclaim one of the titles he previously held.
Alternatively, if Fury and Usyk don’t rematch, the winner could choose to defend their undisputed champion status against Hrgovic or opt for a more lucrative fight against Joshua, potentially dropping the IBF belt. There is also speculation that Fury may vacate all titles except the WBC championship, leading to a competitive landscape in the heavyweight division.
In conclusion, the future for both Ngannou and Joshua is uncertain but full of possibilities. Ngannou may return to MMA to regain his status as the best heavyweight fighter, while Joshua’s next move hinges on the outcome of the Fury vs. Usyk rematch and the decisions made by the fighters involved.
