Francis Ngannou has predicted that Tyson Fury will defeat Anthony Joshua when the two British heavyweights finally meet later this year. The former UFC champion, who has faced both men in the ring, believes Fury holds the edge in a decision victory, while Joshua's best chance comes via an early knockout.
Ngannou made his professional boxing debut against Fury in 2023, dropping the Briton before losing a split decision. He then faced Joshua, who knocked him out in the second round. Reflecting on the upcoming all-British clash, Ngannou told Sky Sports: 'At this level, I think it's very close. Anybody can win. It depends on how the fight goes. I think if it's going to go to a decision, I will pick Fury. If it's a knockout, I think Joshua has a chance early. But I think the fight is well in Fury's favour.'
The long-awaited grudge match was confirmed last month by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalsheikh, with Joshua signing a multi-fight deal. Joshua will first face Kristian Prenga in a tune-up fight on July 25 in Riyadh. Fury ended his year-long retirement in March by outpointing Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, then called out Joshua, who was ringside but refused to engage.
Should Joshua come through his comeback fight unscathed, the pair are expected to meet in November, likely at Wembley, with the fight broadcast live on Netflix. Meanwhile, Andy Ruiz Jr has warned that Joshua is 'permanently damaged' from their 2019 encounter, in which Ruiz stopped him. Ruiz told Vegas Insider: 'Every time he gets hit right there, something is going to rattle in his brain.'
