“Novice in boxing,” Despite shocking boxing world, Francis Ngannou not favorite against Anthony Joshua, says Zhilei Zhang
Zhilei Zhang shares his predictions and analysis of the fight between his former opponent, Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.
Follow Us
Zhilei Zhang (image credit- Boxing Scene)
Before the fight on March 8, it is anticipated that Anthony Joshua will match the resilience of Tyson Fury against Francis Ngannou. However, the former UFC heavyweight champion doesn’t believe that Joshua will pose the same threat. Furthermore, Ngannou has also stated that Joshua is rumored to have a weak chin and cannot take the punches that Fury did. While this is a popular opinion among boxing fans, Joshua’s former opponent, Zhilei Zhang, doesn’t agree.
In Zhang’s opinion, Joshua has the edge in experience and ability, while Francis Ngannou has impressive punching power. Hence, Zhang, who will fight Joseph Parker in the co-main event, warned Joshua about Francis’ boxing style. As such, during an interview, Zhang stated that Joshua has far more experience and skill compared to Ngannou.
I think when you look at Francis Ngannou, he’s a novice. Obviously, he is a novice in professional boxing.Zhilei Zhang via iFL TV
Even though Zhang called Ngannou a novice in boxing, he complimented his stellar performance against Fury. In addition, Zhang stated that the entire boxing world saw how well he performed against the undefeated WBC heavyweight champion. This is evident since Ngannou managed to knock down Ngannou during his professional debut.
However, while Zhang complimented Ngannou, he maintained that Joshua has far more experience and skill when it comes to boxing. Similarly, Zhang stated that Ngannou’s power and punch might help him win the fight since it is heavyweight boxing. Hence, while Zhang believes that Joshua is more skilled, he states that Ngannou could win the fight with a solid punch.
Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker rematch clause
Riyadh is bracing for impact as Parker takes on China’s southpaw, Zhang in a mega-fight under the Saudi sky on March 8. Furthermore, since the match-up is taking place in the heavyweight division, it promises fireworks. Parker is coming off an unexpected victory over Deontay Wilder, who was initially going to fight Joshua on March 8.
However, after Parker defeated Wilder, he was replaced by Ngannou, and Parker earned a spot in the co-main event. In addition, it has been revealed that the fight between Parker and Zhang has a rematch clause. Hence, if Zhang were to lose the WBO ‘interim’ belt, he could challenge Parker to get it back and challenge the Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk winner.
Furthermore, Zhang is no ordinary heavyweight contender and has even faced Joshua in the Olympics. Subsequently, after his brilliant performances against Joe Joyce, he has established himself as a serious contender in the heavyweight division.
In case you missed it!
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)