Anthony Joshua maintained an unwavering gaze on Francis Ngannou as the former UFC champion openly questioned Joshua’s ability to withstand a punch.
The heavyweight contenders convened at a press conference on Monday to formally announce their upcoming ‘Knockout Chaos’ bout set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on March 8.
During the press conference, both fighters maintained a level of respect, but tension escalated when presenter Josh Denzel brought up Ngannou’s recent remarks regarding Joshua’s resilience.
Ngannou had previously commented on The MMA Hour, stating, “If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he’s standing up. I’ve heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I’m going to find out.”
Joshua, known for adopting a safety-first approach since his initial career defeat to Andy Ruiz in 2019, stared intently at his upcoming opponent as Ngannou reiterated his skepticism about Joshua’s punch resistance.
Anthony Joshua didn’t take his eyes of Francis Ngannou when The Predator discussed his him not having “a chin” pic.twitter.com/xSkgoOClaz
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) January 15, 2024
“I’m going to fight him, so what do you think I’m going to do? Look for his chin,” Ngannou responded when confronted with his previous comments. “I mean, that’s what happens in a fight. In a fight, you try to hit somebody in the chin or wherever you can hit him, right? Yes, I heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I don’t know if it’s true or not. We are going to find out. I hope I get the opportunity to test that out. That’s my wish, that’s what I’m wishing for.”
While maintaining a fierce demeanor, Joshua refrained from reacting to Ngannou’s comments. Joshua remains focused on securing another world title and the newly unveiled undisputed championship belt, as revealed by the Chairman of General Authority for Entertainment, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, during the press conference.
Anticipation is high for the outcome of the Joshua vs. Ngannou clash, with the hope that the winner will proceed to face the victor of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bout for the undisputed heavyweight championship.
