Anthony Joshua is set on establishing himself as the top heavyweight in the UK as he prepares to take on Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on March 8.
Coming off a recent knockout victory against Otto Wallin, Joshua is gearing up for the showdown with the 37-year-old Ngannou, who controversially lost a split decision to WBC champion Tyson Fury in October.
Initially heading towards a potential bout with Deontay Wilder, plans changed after Wilder’s surprising defeat to Joseph Parker.
Now, Joshua is enthusiastic about the opportunity to face former UFC heavyweight star Ngannou and solidify his position as the leading heavyweight in the UK.
Speaking at the launch press conference in London, the two-time champ said: “I’ve seen people like him many times before. It’s just his mind I will have to conquer in the ring.
“You have to take someone’s soul and their spirit — and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s going to be good. It’s going to be explosive, there’s many ways to skin a cat.
“I can counterpunch, he can counterpunch. We can both box, as he’s proven. We can both trade and it’s going to be a good, good fight.
“Shout out to my promoter and my team for getting me in this position to showcase why I’m the top heavyweight in the UK.
“I’m not really too concerned about the world. I’m trying to conquer where I live and make everyone know I’m the one who puts boxing on the map.”
Ngannou was also in high spirits and claimed he will put Joshua’s defences to the test.
He said: “I have the tools and it starts against AJ. I’m going to look for his chin. “In a fight you try to hit them in the chin, I’ve heard he doesn’t have a chin but we’re going to find out.”
Anthony Joshua’s upcoming fight against Francis Ngannou is set to be the main attraction of an exciting card in Riyadh. The event will also feature a significant heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang for the WBO’s interim belt.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is optimistic that Joshua will emerge victorious, positioning himself for a potential showdown with either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk. Fury and Usyk are scheduled to face each other, putting all four major heavyweight titles on the line in their upcoming bout.
Hearn said: “I truly believe he will finish his career as undisputed heavyweight champion.”