Francis Ngannou sends Anthony Joshua warning with promise as heavyweight clash confirmed

Francis Ngannou has sent Anthony Joshua a warning after the fight between the two heavyweight boxers was confirmed.

Ngannou only made his boxing debut in October, when he lost to Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. The 37-year-old knocked down Fury, but ended up losing the bout by split decision in the 10th round.

The Cameroonian and French boxer made his name as a mixed martial artist, but now finds himself coming up against the two-time world heavyweight champion.

Ngannou isn't fazed by the challenge he faces though, and on Monday he sent Joshua a warning.

Joshua had previously dismissed the idea of facing Ngannou as a "gimmick fight."

Speaking at a press conference in Saudi Arabia, Ngannou said: "I'm going as the underdog to win this fight! I don't take my last fight as a reference [point]. I get this fight done!"

With a one-fight, one-loss record, Ngannou will certainly be the underdog when the two boxers meet on Friday March 8, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In that sense, Joshua is faced with a less risky bout than if he'd got his preferred opponent. The 34-year-old was eyeing up a clash with Deontay Wilder, but the American's points defeat to Joseph Parker on December 23 forced a rethink.

The British fighter has taken on the bout with the intention of facing the winner of Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk, set to take place on February 17.

'AJ' will head into the meeting off the back of a superb performance in December. He defeated top contender Otto Wallin in spectacular fashion on the 'Day of Reckoning' card.

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