Francis Ngannou took a cheeky dig at the former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua saying he “doesn’t have the strength” to win their upcoming bout.
Joshua and Ngannou are set to lock horns on March 8 in Saudi Arabia and the victor between the two would go on to face the winner between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, which will be played on February 17.
Joshua was initially planned to face Deontay Wilder but the American suffered an expected loss to Joseph Parker, which paved the way for Ngannou.
Joshua is 27-3 in boxing while Ngannou made his pro debut in October 2023 in a ten-round fight against Fury, which the latter won but the MMA star proved himself by flooring his counterpart in the third round.
Despite the loss, the Cameroonian is clearly full of confidence heading into the bout with Joshua and issued a chilling warning to the British star on the High Performance Podcast.
During his appearance on the show, Ngannou said: “Never say never. Nothing is impossible. We don't know the strength of Anthony Joshua.
“Even though I don't believe he has that strength, we're going to find out. In two months, we're going to find out. I'm going to be the one taking his soul.”
On the other hand, Joshua showed utmost respect to the former MMA icon during his interview with the MMA Hour.
"Let me say this again, I’m not focusing on [facing the Fury-Usyk winner],” Joshua said to The MMA Hour. “I’m going to take my mind, I have to draw it back that Ngannou is my undisputed title fight. That’s the mentality I have to have.
“Ngannou is my undisputed fight. Because you’re only as good as your last fight, and I respect him a lot. He ain’t easy money. He’s a hard night’s work. And you know what’s crazy? So am I. I’m a hard night’s work for anyone. So let’s go, it’s going to be fireworks.”
