Interim WBO world heavyweight champion, Chinese boxer Zhang Zhilei shared his prediction for the fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, which will take place on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
I believe Joshua will win. To Francis' credit, he works very hard and his performance in his professional debut was superb. He relented, but looked very good. Still, there is a difference between professional boxing and MMA. But I’m confident that Joshua will cope with the task.
Zhang Zhilei
Joshua, 34, last fought against Otto Wallin in December 2023 in Saudi Arabia. In that fight, Anthony won by technical knockout in the fifth round. He has 27 wins (24 by knockout) and three losses on his record.
Ngannou, 37, made his professional ring debut in October 2023. He came out for a bout against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. This fight lasted the entire distance and ended with Francis' defeat by split decision.