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Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou tips and predictions: AJ will be run close
Here’s why our expert backs Anthony Joshua to overcome Francis Ngannou in a close bout tonight
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We have three Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou tips for the massive fight tonight at the Kingdom Arena in the Saudi capital Riyadh, with the ring walk scheduled for 11pm GMT. Scroll down for the expert analysis behind his selections.
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou betting tips
- Anthony Joshua to win by decision or technical decision @ 10/3 with BoyleSports
- Anthony Joshua to be knocked down @ 2/1 with BoyleSports
- Both fighters to be knocked down @ 10/3 BoyleSports
Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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‘Knockout Chaos’ could be wide of the mark
This fight is being promoted under the banner of “Knockout Chaos” – and with these two big hitters going toe-to-toe, there is clearly a chance we will see an early finish. But do not rule out the possibility of a points win either. As Brit Joshua is the more experienced boxer, he has to be the pick if this does go the distance.
Ngannou was desperately unlucky to be on the wrong end of a split decision defeat to Tyson Fury in his only official boxing bout so far, back in October, but he is still an unknown quantity coming into Friday’s clash.
The Gypsy King was clearly poorly prepared for that bout, also in Riyadh, perhaps assuming it would be almost an exhibition affair. But for whatever reason, he seriously underestimated his Cameroonian-French opponent.
Joshua will not make that mistake and there is just too much on the line regarding his career for him to not have got ready thoroughly. Ngannou did showcase some strong boxing fundamentals against Fury, however, and he can compete with Joshua – even if pulling off an upset looks unlikely.
Ngannou is a former UFC heavyweight champion, and in his MMA career he was never stopped, with all three of his losses coming via decisions.
Admittedly, he probably has not come across any fighter with the kind of one-punch power that Joshua possesses. But the defensive work he demonstrated against Fury suggests he may be able to avoid the most devastating shots that AJ will attempt to land.
For Joshua’s part, he will feel he has the skills to outbox Ngannou without really having to engage – and the fact this is a 10-round affair, rather than the usual 12, has also influenced this tip a bit.
With bigger targets in mind, Joshua will be happy enough to win this fight in any way he can, and a composed performance and comfortable points win would suffice. So the 10/3 on offer for an AJ victory on points appeals
Tip: Anthony Joshua to win by decision or technical decision @ 10/3 with BoyleSports
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Ngannou can cause problems
While the Cameroonian-French fighter is the 3/1 underdog going into this contest, he should not be written off either. His high-pressure approach will not be easy for Joshua to deal with.
The former UFC champion gave Fury no breathing space in their encounter and will probably adopt a similar, if not identical, approach against the Brit.
While that may not be enough to pull off a victory, he may be able to record a knockdown – and 2/1 looks a fair price for that to happen.
Joshua was knocked down three times in his defeat to Andy Ruiz and was sent to the canvas by Wladimir Klitschko before recovering to win. So a knockdown for Ngannou would not be a massive surprise even if AJ does dominate proceedings for most of the fight.
Tip: Anthony Joshua to be knocked down @ 2/1 with BoyleSports
Could both men hit the canvas?
A Ngannou knockdown piques the interest at the current prices, while a Joshua knockdown holds appeal as well, even if ultimately I am expecting the judges to decide the winner.
The underdog is clearly a durable fighter with strong defensive skills, even if he is lacking out-and-out boxing experience, but AJ carries exceptional power. Twenty-four of his 27 wins have come inside the distance.
Of all the current big-name heavyweights, the Londoner is perhaps the best athlete. If he can keep up his intensity for the full 10 rounds, he could score a knockdown via sheer volume of punches without needing one of his true power shots to get through.
“Knockout Chaos” may be an ambitious line from the promotions team, but knockdown chaos could ensue when these two huge punchers face off on Friday.
Tip: Both fighters to be knocked down @ 10/3 BoyleSports
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou odds
- Anthony Joshua @ 1/4 with BoyleSports
- Draw @ 20/1 with BoyleSports
- Francis Ngannou @ 3/1 with BoyleSports
All odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.