Anthony Joshua has been booked in 12-round fights for the past eight years, but he will fight for two fewer rounds against former UFC champion Ngannou in their crossover fight.
Anthony Joshua needed to determine exactly how many rounds Francis Ngannou’s crossover match will last.
When they square off in Saudi Arabia on March 8, Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, hopes to defeat Ngannou to earn a shot at the undisputed world title. Although it was anticipated that Joshua would face Deontay Wilder on the same day, Ngannou took Joshua’s spot after the American unexpectedly lost to Joseph Parker in their two-fight agreement.
Since defeating Kevin Johnson nearly nine years ago, Joshua has not been scheduled for a professional bout. The 10-round scheduled between Ngannou and Tyson Fury in October last year was cut short after the former UFC champion dropped Fury in a contentious split decision.
In his in-person conversation with Ngannou, AJ stated: “I’m prepared for ten or twelve rounds, ten rounds, yeah? Ten rounds is all I’m up for. Joshua was then asked, “Why is it 10 and not 12?” by interviewer Ade Oladipo. In response, Ngannou stated: “They told me 12, and I said, ‘No, cut it out.'” I am not interpreting a Mike Tyson fight as a way to say, “Oh, I’m a professional boxer now.” No, I’m exaggerating. They requested 10 or 12 rounds, and I responded with 10. I had just entered the situation.”
With two UFC world title fights lasting no more than 25 minutes, Ngannou’s bout versus Fury was the longest of his combat sports career. Instead of concentrating on world titles like Joshua, the Cameroonian is hopeful that defeating the British boxer will get a rematch with Fury, regardless of whether or not his former opponent is still in the title picture.
After Ngannou shocked the boxing world with his performance against Fury, Joshua said that he had not considered a “gimmick” battle with the former UFC champion. They had previously discussed this battle, and I had responded, ‘Nope, it’s a gimmick fight.’ It’s not what I believe to be correct,” Joshua remarked.
“I chose to stay in boxing that way. I am moving on while I am still pursuing heavyweight championships. This was their chance, especially after seeing what transpired in his last bout and the circumstances surrounding Deontay Wilder. I’m excited about the challenge because I’ve never turned one down. It’s the most difficult task I’ve ever faced.”