- Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou goes down Friday night
- The Friday boxing odds favor the world champion over the former UFC heavyweight
- Read below for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou odds, prediction and tale of the tape
The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation for the heavyweight clash between former two-time unified world champion Anthony Joshua and former UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou. This fascinating crossover fight pits one of boxing’s biggest stars against a fearsome MMA knockout artist looking to make his mark in a new sport.
The 12-round contest will take place on Friday, March 8th at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Oddsmakers currently have Joshua as a sizable -340 favorite, with Ngannou coming back at +260.
Let’s analyze the Friday boxing odds as we provide you our Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou prediction
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Anthony Joshua | -340 |
| Francis Ngannou | +260 |
In the Joshua vs Ngannou odds, “AJ” is a -340 favorite at DraftKings, giving him a 77% implied probability of winning.
The co-main event will see Rey Vargas defend his WBC featherweight title against Nick Ball.
Other bouts include Israil Madrimov vs Magomed Kurbanov for the vacant WBA super welterweight belt, Zhilei Zhang defending his WBO interim heavyweight strap against Joseph Parker, and a lightweight tilt between prospects Mark Chamberlain and Gavin Gwynne.
Odds as of March 7, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Claim the DraftKings promo code to bet on Joshua vs Ngannou. NC boxing fans can check out the DraftKings app in North Carolina for a special pre-reg offer.
Joshua vs Ngannou How to Watch
The main card begins at 2pm ET / 11am PT, with the Joshua vs Ngannou main event ring walks expected around 5:30pm ET / 2:30pm PT. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view.
Your main card start times for tomorrow’s 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 event 🌍#JoshuaNgannou, live worldwide on DAZN on 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬, March 8. Buy now at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv #KnockoutChaos | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/IuzEoFXtnP
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 7, 2024
Anthony Joshua Betting Analysis
Joshua, 33, is looking to continue his climb back to the top of the heavyweight division after suffering back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. Since then, the British star has reeled off three straight wins, stopping Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, and Otto Wallin.
While Joshua showed glimpses of his old dominant self in those bouts, there are still questions about his ability to handle elite competition after the Usyk losses. Joshua has shown vulnerabilities in the past that could play into Ngannou’s hands.
He has been dropped multiple times in his career, including suffering a shocking upset TKO loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019. Joshua’s stamina has also been questioned, as he seemed to tire in the later rounds of the Usyk fights. If Joshua can’t keep Ngannou off of him, his questionable chin and cardio could become major liabilities.
Francis Ngannou Betting Analysis
Ngannou, meanwhile, is coming off a surprisingly competitive showing in his pro boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October. The 36-year-old Cameroonian lost a split decision but had his moments, even dropping Fury at one point.
Prior to that, Ngannou was the UFC’s heavyweight champion, known for his terrifying punching power. He won the title by knocking out Stipe Miocic in March 2021 and defended it once against Ciryl Gane before leaving the UFC over contract disputes.
For Ngannou to pull off the upset, he needs to make it an ugly fight and land one of his signature power shots. Even the best boxers would have trouble withstanding Ngannou’s freakish strength if he connects cleanly. The former UFC champ wants to cut off the ring, force Joshua to trade in close quarters, and test his ability to take a heavyweight bomb.
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Prediction
This is a classic matchup of boxer vs puncher. Joshua has the clear edge in technical boxing skill, having won an Olympic gold medal and held multiple world titles. However, Ngannou’s otherworldly punching power gives him a chance to end the fight at any moment.
Joshua vs Ngannou Tale of the Tape
| 27-3 | Record | *0-1 |
| 23 | Knockouts | 0 |
| 6’6″ (198 cm) | Height | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
| 82″ (208 cm) | Reach | 83″ (211 cm) |
| Orthodox | Stance | Orthodox |
[/matchup]
*Ngannou’s record only includes his one professional boxing match, the decision loss to Tyson Fury in October 2023. However, he went 17-3 with 12 KOs in his MMA career, including several highlight-reel stoppages.
For Joshua to win, he needs to use his jab and footwork to keep Ngannou at range and avoid getting caught with big shots. Joshua’s stamina has been questioned, so he can’t afford to get into a brawl. He should look to systematically break Ngannou down and win a decision or late stoppage.
Ngannou’s path to victory is landing one of his signature bombs on Joshua’s questionable chin. We’ve seen Joshua hurt and stopped before by lesser punchers than Ngannou. If the former UFC champ can cut off the ring and force Joshua to exchange in the pocket, he has a real shot at scoring the upset KO.
In the end, Joshua’s superior boxing pedigree should carry him to a hard-fought decision win or late TKO. But if he gets reckless and leaves an opening, Ngannou certainly has the power to turn the lights out.
- Pick: Anthony Joshua by KO/TKO/DQ (-155 at DraftKings)
The highly anticipated matchup between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou has fight fans buzzing with excitement. Both fighters are known for their incredible power and skill in the ring, making this bout a must-watch event for boxing and MMA enthusiasts alike.
When it comes to predicting the outcome of this fight, the odds are currently in favor of Anthony Joshua. The British heavyweight champion is a seasoned boxer with an impressive record of 24 wins and only one loss. His technical prowess and knockout power make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the ring.
On the other hand, Francis Ngannou is a rising star in the world of MMA. The Cameroonian fighter has made a name for himself with his devastating knockout power and aggressive fighting style. While he may not have as much experience in the boxing ring as Joshua, Ngannou’s raw athleticism and strength could give him the edge in this matchup.
As for viewing options, fans have several choices for watching the Joshua vs Ngannou fight. The bout is expected to be broadcast on pay-per-view, with details on pricing and availability to be announced closer to the event date. Additionally, many sports bars and restaurants may also be showing the fight, so fans can gather with friends to watch the action unfold.
In conclusion, the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight is shaping up to be an epic showdown between two of the most talented fighters in their respective sports. With the odds in Joshua’s favor but Ngannou’s explosive power to consider, this matchup is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Be sure to tune in for what promises to be a thrilling night of combat sports action.
