In a recent interaction on social media, British boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua, responded to a workout video of UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The response was far from being complimentary, with Joshua visibly NOT IMPRESSED. This interaction, although subtle, has reignited talks about a future crossover fight between the two heavyweight champions.
The UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou was highlighted in a video, showing his intense preparation for his upcoming fight. Given that both these fighters represent the pinnacle of heavyweight combat sports in their respective disciplines, comparisons are drawn naturally. Ngannou’s video surfaced on Twitter, where he is seen throwing accurate and high-powered punches on a mitt. The Cameroonian, known for his knockout power, looked in peak form, which prompted responses from fans across the globe. Among these responses, a tweet from Joshua stirred up the MMA and boxing communities.
Anthony Joshua, the two-time unified world heavyweight champion, responded to the video with a simple yet powerful statement, saying, ‘Not bad when you are fighting against pads.‘ This inflammatory response is not atypical of Joshua, who is known for his stoic yet direct communication style.
From a sporting perspective, Joshua probably referred to the difference between training and competing. Punching a mitt and striking a moving, thinking, and attacking opponent are different experiences. While Joshua’s remark about Ngannou’s training could be seen as condescending, it can also be seen as a productive critique. The difference between sparring with mitts or pads and facing an opponent in the ring is a complex and significant topic in both boxing and MMA circles.
This is not the first time the world of UFC and Boxing has had a substantial crossover. The Conor McGregor versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight in 2017 remains a notable instance. Both fighters had record-breaking paydays, and it opened the world’s eyes to the lucrative potential of such unique match-ups. Conor McGregor proved himself much better than many detractors initially believed, making it a landmark event in sporting history.
A Joshua versus Ngannou contest would certainly draw massive attention. Joshua, with his technically sound boxing, doesn’t mind ‘going to the trenches’ and engaging in a slugfest. On the other hand, Ngannou, known for his scary knockout power, effectively finishes his opponents with one punch. This potential match would not only be a battle of power and skill but also a captivating contest between two vastly different fighting philosophies.
While a crossover fight is undoubtedly a tantalizing idea, there are multiple barriers to its fruition. Contractual obligations with UFC and matchroom boxing and sanctioning from the athletic commission would be significant hurdles. However, the potential earnings and publicity could enable these entities to approach the negotiation table with a flexible mindset, making this distant possibility a reality.
Joshua’s reaction to Ngannou’s workout video, therefore, extends far beyond friendly banter. It fuels speculation about a potential colossal clash between heavyweight kings from two different combat sports. Whether or not this bout ever happens, it’s these kinds of interactions that keep the flame of this idea alive, stirring conversation, and intrigue among fans worldwide.
