Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, made a foray into boxing with a fight against Tyson Fury in October 2023, before facing Antony Joshua on Friday March 8.
The two fighters first crossed paths weeks earlier, before their fight yesterday. Like everyone else, I noticed that Fury is much taller than Ngannou. But hey, it’s the punches that count…
Before I get into my perception of Friday’s fight, let me tell you about an off-the-scale seller.
Ngannou, the salesman of the century
You know, knowing how to capitalize on each step of the process as an athlete or entrepreneur, regardless of the sector of activity is very important. I really believe that Francis Ngannou is an example.
Francis Ngannou. C : x2o via Wikicommons
The fight against Joshuaheld in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was a major event that highlighted Ngannou’s drawing power and profitability in the world of boxing.
Financially, the fight was very profitable for both boxers. According to estimates from the American magazine Forbes, Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion now in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), should receive around 20 million dollars (or around 12 billion 1 million 661 thousand 29 f CFA for this fight. WoW!). This is practically the salary of thousands of Africans for their entire life of work in just a few minutes of fighting.
Beyond the fact that this money will be shared with his entire team, this gives him enormous visibility and opens the way to multiple new partners. And inevitably allows it to position itself even higher on the scene.
Beyond monetary gains, the adventure of Ngannou in MMA demonstrates the versatility and adaptability necessary in the modern sporting and entrepreneurial landscape.
I find that this strategic approach to career management clearly illustrates the business sense behind high-level sport. Because athletes of Ngannou’s caliber can use their brand and skills across multiple platforms, maximizing their earnings while expanding their fan base.
Especially since Ngannou’s strategic reconversion to boxing, despite the risks of defeat, shows the big calculated risks that athletes are willing to take for bigger rewards.
Anyway, back to the fight.
Joshua Vs Ngannou: the fight of the giants
The highly anticipated fight between two men who have dominated their fields, namely boxing and MMA, has captured the attention of more than one person.
There really wasn’t any fighting. Winner by KO in the second round against Ngannou, Joshua at the same time restored his image after his failures against Andy Ruiz (2019), and Alexandre Usyk (2021 and 2022).
Anthony Joshua. C: Steven Batty via Wikicommons
The opposition took place in a traditional boxing ring according to the rules of English boxing, that is to say over 10 rounds. The British Antony Joshua was the big favorite of this part.
Because, to win a favorite boxer, you need exactly one knockout to assert yourself. Especially as long as it’s close in the count, it’s usually the regular boxer who comes out on top.
My comment
Francis Ngannou did not hold out against Antony Joshua over 10 rounds, for his second boxing fight. He didn’t even manage to inflict a Knockdown on him!
Opinions are divided on the web. Between boxing amateurs and professionals, it’s interesting to read everyone.
And with hindsight, I tell myself that Francis must still progress technically to hope to beat the best boxers in the world. Even though he wanted to impose his pace at the start, a right blow to the face from his opponent made him fall.
Afterwards, we must recognize that Ngannou did not prepare enough for this fight like the one against Fury. His previous performance deceived him. I don’t know if we saw the show the same way but the Joshua I saw yesterday can easily beat Fury right now.
In addition, we had someone who had been practicing boxing for a long time against someone who was just starting out.
Otherwise, I admire Francis’ courage. He puts no limits on himself. Leaving MMA for the PFL by rubbing shoulders with the best in the business: it’s very daring!
Otherwise, when he was knocked out, I first thought I was dreaming (laughing). The punch didn’t seem heavy enough to me. As they say, losing is part of the process. Only lazy people are fans of smooth victories.
Francis will know how to prepare better next time. Don’t let him give up!
Also, Joshua encouraged him and felicity. As shown in this media video The sweatI found the message behind the non-celebration of his victory very strong and poignant: boxing for boxers and MMA for fighters in this discipline.
Besides, Nadal is not going to celebrate if he wins against Haland in tennis… that would be stupid, weird even.
And you, what is your reading of this fight?
With all my critical sense, Badal.