Ex Francis Ngannou Sparring Partner Talks Heavyweight Fights
Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou will headline “Knockout Chaos” on March 8, and as we build up to that fight, we will be bringing you plenty until fight night. Joe Joyce (15-2, 14 KOs), who previously sparred with Ngannou, spoke to Sky Sports about the two heavyweight contests on the stacked card, Ricky Carroll reports for The Big Fight Weekend.
EX Francis Ngannou Sparring Partner Talks Clash With Anthony Joshua
Joe Joyce Discusses Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou
Joyce is undoubtedly looking to return to the top tier of the heavyweight division, starting with his upcoming bout against Kash Ali. “Juggernaut” has opened up about his sparring sessions with the Cameroonian fighter and the fight between AJ and the ex-MMA star.
Before Ngannou entered the world of boxing, Joyce experienced the threat carried by Ngannou as the two men engaged in a ferocious sparring session in Las Vegas. Joyce elaborated on the session: “Because he’s an MMA fighter and he’s not been concentrating on boxing, he was a little bit more open, and I could see where the shots were coming from, move out the way and keep him on the jab. But those power shots are whistling past my abs and chin in the process!”
“But we had a good spar, and I’ve got a lot of respect for Ngannou,” said “Juggernaught.” He added that he believes Ngannou can hurt AJ: “Of course. If he lands one of those big shots like he hit Fury, I don’t think Joshua will get up.”
Joseph Parker vs. Zhilei Zhang
Parker vs. Zhang will be the chief support act on March 8, with Joyce having a connection to both fighters – having defeated Parker but lost twice to Zhang. The New Zealander defeated Deontay Wilder last time and will be looking to continue this winning run. The London native knowing both fighters has spoken on the bout: “He’s a younger fighter than Zhang, if he can push him to those later rounds and Zhang gets tired that’s when you’ll see Parker put some shots together and he could potentially knock him out.”
He added: “Parker can be a bit more of a mover. Zhang’s feet are very static, but he holds that power and speed. He’s tough as well. So Parker’s going to have to box in and out. Maybe he’s better at fighting southpaws than me.
“If I were a betting man, I would probably bet on Zhang. But I would like to see Parker win.”
