Joseph Parker Sends WARNING to Anthony Joshua: DO NOT Overlook ‘BEAST’ Ngannou!
The combat sports landscape has seen a flurry of challenge swaps across differing disciplines in recent years, and this hasn’t changed. However, it seems like top-tier heavyweight boxers are now setting their sights on the mixed martial arts (MMA) arena. A standout example is global superstar Anthony Joshua being mentioned in the same breath as Francis ‘The Predator’ Ngannou. Amid these discussions, the New Zealand boxing sensation, Joseph Parker, has issued an intense warning, specifically to his good friend Joshua. Parker’s clear message: Do not underestimate the ‘Beast,’ Ngannou.
Currently, as the reigning champion of the heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Ngannou has garnered massive attention within the fight world. His punching power, combined with his precise striking abilities, sends shivers down the spine of anyone who dare steps inside the octagon with him. Joseph Parker, being well-aware of Joshua’s skills and capabilities, finds it daunting to put Joshua and Ngannou in the same fighting prospect, as many fear Joshua might not stand a chance against Ngannou’s ferocious power.
In an interview, Parker asserted his thoughts about the potential matchup, saying, “I think it would be a good fight, but Joshua needs to be careful not to overlook Ngannou. He’s a beast. I wonder if Joshua can hurt him.” These comments from Parker, a seasoned veteran in the sport, shouldn’t go unnoticed. After all, he has been inside the ring with some of the fiercest competitors, including Joshua himself.
Why would Parker’s warning matter? He has first-hand experience as he faced Joshua in 2018 in a high-stakes match for the unification of world heavyweight titles. Despite lasting the full twelve rounds, Parker lost the match by unanimous decision, giving him a profound understanding of Joshua’s power. Yet, he cautions the British boxer about the danger posed by Cameroonian-born Ngannou.
Parker further elaborated on the potential match, commenting on Ngannou’s strengths. “Ngannou’s power is something else. He has the capability to knock anybody out, and that’s a big threat for any fighter, including Joshua,” Parker stated.
In a combat world where sporting discipline barriers are becoming increasingly blurred, a cross-over bout could be intriguing. However, such a fight won’t be a stroll in the park, especially considering Ngannou’s monstrous knockout power. He holds the record for the most knockouts in the UFC heavyweight division, a clear indication of his destructive potential.
However, Joshua, the two-time unified heavyweight world champion, is no novice when it comes to pugilistic prowess. Known for his technical skills, sheer determination, and outstanding knockout power, Joshua has consistently shown he is a force to be reckoned with.
If this cross-sport bout happens, it promises to be an explosive encounter, a headline-grabber for both boxing and MMA communities. Yet, the stern warning from Parker may have Joshua reevaluating his risks before stepping into the octagon with Ngannou.
For the fans, though the match is currently speculative fodder, it has undoubtedly ignited fervor and anticipation. Will a scenario such as this trigger a new wave, blurring the lines between the boxing ring and the MMA cage? Only time will tell. Until then, all eyes are fixed on the potential clash between the boxing king, Anthony Joshua, and the UFC beast, Francis Ngannou.
