“No lives matter!” Anthony Joshua gets honest about fighting African champ Francis Ngannou on spectacular Saudi card

Anthony Joshua says that Francis Ngannou being from the black community wouldn't be a reason of compassion leading up to the fight.

“No lives matter!” Anthony Joshua gets honest about fighting African champ Francis Ngannou on spectacular Saudi card

Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou strong mindset leading to megafight (credit- Sky Sports)

Boxing can generate animosity between individuals who are more alike than different. As such, Anthony Joshua cleared the air regarding his stance on fighting individuals from the same ethnic background. When asked about his feelings about fighting a fellow member of the African community (Francis Nagnnou), Joshua very maturely explained that even though Francis Ngannou shares his ethnicity a fighter doesn’t have the luxury of compassion during fight camp.

In a recent interview by Ariel Helwani on The MMA Show, Joshua was invited as a guest to promote his upcoming megafight with Francis Ngannou. Helwani is known for asking hard-hitting questions. Therefore he asked whether there was a soft corner in Joshua’s heart for Ngannou being a fellow member of the black community. Joshua very aptly answered by saying:

But right now, no lives matter. Its straight war, I'll be real with you, its war... we're at war. This isn't like... there are no friends at war.
– Anthony Joshua on The MMA Show with Ariel Helwani
YouTube video

Even though it’s only his second professional boxing fight, he faces established boxing champ, Anthony Joshua. Hence, Ngannou is considered as a dark horse. The fight is told to bring big money to both parties, making it the biggest payday for Ngannou. Leaving the financial factor aside, this fight is a redemption fight for Ngannou after his controversial defeat against Tyson Fury. For Joshua, he needs to prove to the world why he is an icon in boxing.

FS Video

This fight is a clash of 2 worlds: boxing and MMA. Both these fighters have something personal on the line. The 2 heavyweights are actively promoting this fight. Their charismatic personalities are wooing fight fans worldwide. Now all fans can do is keep their fingers crossed for their favorite fighter.

Francis Ngannou has the world record for the hardest punch

Francis Ngannou holds the world record for being the hardest puncher. Hence his name is synonymous with power. In 2018 he had his strength and power tested on a PowerKube machine. This machine accurately measures the power behind a person’s punch. Ngannou achieved a striking force of 129,161 units with his overhand right, and his off-balance uppercut punch recorded a force of 122,000 units.

Francis Ngannou hold the world record of being the hardest puncher in a PowerKube test.
Francis Ngannou world record holder of hardest puncher in a PowerKube test (credit- YouTube)

This record was challenged by the former world’s strongest man Eddie Hall. However, he too couldn’t surpass Ngannou. Hence, this is a testament to Ngannou’s power. Although Team Joshua has expressed their fear of Ngannou’s strength, fans know that this is a factor they keep in mind.

Therefore, now only time will tell whether Ngannou will be able to use his strength effectively against Joshua. Will Ngannou’s devastating power prevail or will Joshua’s ring IQ lead him to victory? This question is causing uproar among divided fans. However, this debate will only be squashed on fight night.

In case you missed: