Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou prediction, odds, betting tips and free bets
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou prediction, odds, betting tips and free bets for Friday’s fight in Saudi Arabia
Following his controversial loss by split decision to Tyson Fury in the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ back in October, Francis Ngannou now returns to the boxing ring to take on another one of the best boxers in the business. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is set to play host to Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou.
Last time out, the mixed-martial artist was able to prove that his participation in the boxing ring is no joke, and he is not to be taken lightly. After managing to knock Fury down, Ngannou was able to catch the eye of boxing fans all around the world as the newcomer appeared to be making his mark in this sphere.
After back-to-back defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua has regained some of his mojo by defeating the likes of Jermaine Franklin, Rober Helenius and Otto Wallin as the Englishmen attempts to pick up some impetus as he makes his return to the high-profile bouts.
The winner of ‘Knockout Chaos’ could see themselves become a legitimate contender for the undisputed title later this year, making this fight far from a gimmick. Both fighters will feel that they have something to prove here, with the result having significant repercussions on the legacy for whomever may come out on top.
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Prediction
There is no debate that ‘AJ’ holds the clear advantage over Ngannou (rated 75% likely to win even at best price on bet365) when it comes to the technicalities of being a professional boxer. Even though Francis was able to score a remarkable knockdown against Fury, there was still more to be desired from the MMA athlete.
The experience that Joshua possesses will play a key role here, and if used to his advantage could see him gradually pick apart the Cameroonian in traditional style. However, something that has allowed Ngannou to reach the absolute pinnacle of combat sports is his ability to utilise his immense amount of power. Ngannou has prided himself on his ability to finish a fight in a split-second, and it would be foolish of Joshua to overlook this sort of ability.
AJ is sensible enough to have done his research on Ngannou’s fighting style. Considering 12 of Ngannou’s 17 wins in MMA were by (T)KO, it’s clear that even the most thorough preparation cannot completely nullify the chance of Francis knocking you out cold.
The result of this fight is contingent on whether AJ can successfully manoeuvre his way around the ring, evading Ngannou’s heavy strikes and eventually outboxing his opponent. Joshua will have to utilise every element of his boxing skill set to win this one, failing to do so may see him wind up out for the count in front of a mass audience.
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Odds
Anthony Joshua to win @ 1/3 (bet365)
Francis Ngannou to win @ 3/1 (Betway)
Draw @ 33/1 (Betfred)
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Betting Tips
Anthony Joshua to Win By Decision @ 7/2 on bet365
This isn’t Joshua’s first rodeo, especially when facing an opponent with significant knock-out power. In the past, AJ has been able to adapt to the style of hard-hitting opponents in the case of Andy Ruiz.
If he is able to repeat this sort of performance here, then the heavy favourite should be able to chip away at Ngannou, slowly picking him apart as the fight progresses.
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