Ledhed1 Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 Wilder blew it but damned if Eddie and AJ are gonna be denied their payday. By Callie Lawson-Freeman, Yahoo Sports Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is headed back to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for another major boxing match. He's set to fight two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Friday. It will take place on March 9. For Ngannou (0-1), the bout is another opportunity to prove that his exit from the UFC in early 2023 was a good move. He already did the seemingly unlikely when he secured a big ticket boxing matchup against Tyson Fury, which he lost by split decision in Riyadh on Oct. 28. But even as the -1400 favorite against Ngannou, Fury said he was taking the fight seriously. Fury, the WBC heavyweight boxing champion, was smart to do so. Ngannou looked competitive in the contest and turned some heads when he dropped Fury in the third round. When all was said and done, some fans went as far as claiming Ngannou won the fight. It was a win-win scenario on Ngannou's side, resulting in the biggest payday of his career. The success came after he was scrutinized for leaving the UFC to sign with the Professional Fighters League despite an offer that UFC president Dana White said would've made him the highest-paid heavyweight in the promotion's history. Now, Ngannou is cashing in again as a boxer and he appears to be excited about the next step in his career transition. While he was quick to post on social media about the news, Joshua has yet to acknowledge it. Joshua will be required to talk about the fight soon but he'll have the benefit of promoting it on his home turf. A news conference is scheduled for Jan. 15 in London, according to Hearn. Joshua recently beat Otto Wallin on Dec. 23. The U.K. star made the fight look easy, forcing Wallin's corner to throw in the towel after the fifth round. It was Joshua's third consecutive win, and he'll look to continue that streak against Ngannou. Of his 27 career victories, 24 of them have been by knockout. Joshua was reportedly scheduled to face Deontay Wilder in March instead of Ngannou but the matchup was spoiled when Wilder was upset by Joseph Parker last month. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 Focus had been on fighting Hrgovic for the vacant IBF. But, the winner of Fury vs Usyk could take weeks to announce anything i.e the rematch, where the IBF would then strip. Hrgovic fight probably take place after. The Saudi's decide the fights - they give a name and offer unbelievable money. Keeps Joshua busy and he'll make a fortune. Should be an entertaining fight. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cableaddict Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 It's pretty good pick, pr-wise. I personally don't think Ngannou did all that well against Fury (save for one good punch) but the casuals sure do. And we have a real wild card, since Ngannou has basically almost boxing backgound. "Anything could happen." I think I like it. 🙂 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ledhed1 Posted January 8 Author Share Posted January 8 Deontay Wilder’s manager confirms plans for stunning fight on Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard By Joe Boon, The Sun DEONTAY Wilder is set to appear on another Anthony Joshua undercard in a blockbuster fight, according to his co-manager. And his opponent could even be the tough Chinese customer, Zhilei Zhang. His co-manager Terry Lane stated:"Zhilei Zhang does indeed want to fight Deontay Wilder on the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard." Intriguingly, both fighters have been touted as long-term opponents for Joshua. Zhang currently holds the WBO interim title after defeating Joe Joyce. He fought AJ in the Olympics in 2012, where he lost. On his Instagram account Zhang wrote: "I lost to a better man 11 years ago in the Olympics. I'm happy we have both come a long way, gone through ups and downs in life. "Now it's time to do this for the sport of boxing and give it to the fans around the world. Let's get it on!" Wilder had reportedly agreed to fight Joshua in a stunning £100million double fight deal before his bout against Kiwi Parker. However, a shock defeat left that arrangement in tatters. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cableaddict Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 Zhang has already be robbed once, and now he wants to fight AJ? What is he, nuts? It would have been interesting to get Zhang - Parker on this undercard. Wilder appears to be finished. I guess Parker will hide out for a while, waiting for his final big payday & not risking any interim loss. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonRingRules Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 On 1/8/2024 at 5:39 PM, Cableaddict said: Zhang has already be robbed once, and now he wants to fight AJ? What is he, nuts? It would have been interesting to get Zhang - Parker on this undercard. Wilder appears to be finished. I guess Parker will hide out for a while, waiting for his final big payday & not risking any interim loss. --- Saudis will pay Zhang fortune to KO Deyonce on the Josh/Francis undercard, so don't weep for him, Argentina. Meanwhile @age 31, Mighty Joe is a veritable cherub who has more gravitas with some unfinished biz vs Josh after many deplored the British referee interference in their first fight. Be a big International fight. Winner fights Zhang...who wif me? Who ag'in me? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 On 1/8/2024 at 11:39 PM, Cableaddict said: Zhang has already be robbed once, and now he wants to fight AJ? What is he, nuts? It would have been interesting to get Zhang - Parker on this undercard. Wilder appears to be finished. I guess Parker will hide out for a while, waiting for his final big payday & not risking any interim loss. Talk is Parker vs Hrgovic on the Joshua undercard. Also, Kovalev comeback. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bear Hugger Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou promised winner will get undisputed title shot On the Joshua vs Ngannou undercard, it was also confirmed Joseph Parker, the man who derailed plans for ‘AJ’ to meet Deontay Wilder, will take on Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang. https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxing/anthony-joshua-and-francis-ngannou-promised-winner-will-get-undisputed-title-shot/ar-AA1n0I5m 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robprosser Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Parker should win provided he boxes cautiously. Zhang looked great against Joyce but that was essentially against a stationary target. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonRingRules Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 - - Good Chance with Mighty Joe being the youngest top heavyweight today, he carefully outboxes Zhang who found himself suddenly overrated after the Joyce demolition. No matter, these are fights the fans will be happy with. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cableaddict Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 Parker looks better than in recent years, (likely due to dumping the farce that is Kevin Barry) but he still didn't look anywhere elite against Wilder. Wilder simply fought horribly. Or rather, Wilder didn't even really fight. It was a joke. Zhang is actually UNDER-rated. He has excellent power and VERY good reflexes. He absolutely beat Hrgovic, and I won't even tolerate a discussion on that. The main issue is his age, but he doesn't move too much so that might be less of a factor than with most HW. It's a great matchup, but my bet is Zhang via KO. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bear Hugger Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 (edited) https://i.imgur.com/aAwJ65e.jpg Edited January 19 by Bear Hugger 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 A big question is whether Zhang can maintain the pressure like Joe Joyce did, against Parker? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonRingRules Posted February 22 Share Posted February 22 --- March 8th coming up like a runaway freight train. Still picking Mighty Joe who has the youth, experience, and maturity to take care of Zhang who has surprised beyond previous expectations the past couple of years. DAZN still after me to sign up, but nyet to that. How about Francis vs Zhang in the loser bracket needing a final Saudi payday this year before retirement as heroes in their own countries? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 A very good trailer for the fight - Street Fighter style. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cableaddict Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 ^ Absolutely ridiculous. Gives me a headache. But I'm glad promotors are at least trying to reach a new & younger audience. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted March 7 Share Posted March 7 Heavyweight weights. Anthony Joshua - 252lbs Francis Ngannou - 272lbs Zhilai Zhang - 291lbs Joe Parker - 247lbs 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted March 7 Share Posted March 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonRingRules Posted March 8 Share Posted March 8 --- Two massive units who can punch and move on a collision course, what's not to love? I'm thinking of Josh coming out carefully with footwork looking for openings while gauging what may be the ultimate Wild Card in boxing history. Clinches he should stay away from as much as possible. Francis certainly earned his bonafides vs Flubber, but Josh will test him out and put him through proper paces. I think it's quite possible for Josh to pitch a masterclass if he don't KO Francis who showed a superior chin vs Flubber. Let's Go!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted March 9 Share Posted March 9 Destruction and Devastation. Loved watching that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ledhed1 Posted March 9 Author Share Posted March 9 291 was a bit hefty for Zhang. Able to explode in spurts but can't bring it consistently over the long haul. Mighty Joe's earned a rematch with AJ but Hearn'd never risk it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cableaddict Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 Zhang threw even less punches against Parker than Wilder did. I smell a rat ..... AJ beat a guy who has virtually zero defense, a guy that actually looked like crap against Fury no matter what the promotors try to say. And the rest of the fights sucked even worse. What a great night of boxing ......... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bear Hugger Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 (edited) Joshua did what Tyson was supposed to do. Edited March 10 by Bear Hugger 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonRingRules Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 On 3/9/2024 at 6:07 PM, Cableaddict said: Zhang threw even less punches against Parker than Wilder did. I smell a rat ..... AJ beat a guy who has virtually zero defense, a guy that actually looked like crap against Fury no matter what the promotors try to say. And the rest of the fights sucked even worse. What a great night of boxing ......... --- Lucrative trilogy, Cable! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 Think Zhang is believing his own hype. Looked poorly trained. Parker fought smart but wasn't impressive. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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