UFC Veteran details why Francis Ngannou will beat Anthony Joshua

Despite coming up short rather controversially last time out, Francis Ngannou is ready to lace up the boxing gloves and get into the winners’ column this time around.

‘The Predator’ will come face to face with yet another huge name in the boxing world following his defeat to Tyson Fury. This time around, it will be Anthony Joshua who stands across the ring from him, and although he is much less experienced in the sport, some believe he has a real chance at victory.

While speaking with TNT Sports, Retired UFC title challenger Dan Hardy piled on the praise for Francis Ngannou after his incredible debut showing.

“Honestly, he surprised me, as well, you know. For as much as I backed Ngannou, I did feel like Tyson would get to him, sort of fifth or sixth round. But there were so many things that Ngannou did that surprised me as well as everybody else.”

“He maintained his composure, he was patient, he wasn’t biting on any feints or anything. Just an outstanding performance, honestly.”

“At the same time, I do think he proved a few things. He can do 10 rounds, he can punch, he can stand and hold his shape like a boxer, and I feel there are certain things he showed in that fight that are going to be very useful in this one against AJ.”

Dan Hardy went on to make a surprise prediction about the bout. He claimed Anthony Joshua could panic in certain areas of the fight and believes Ngannou will walk away with his hands raised.

“Tyson’s a much more difficult person to hit than AJ. For me, AJ pushes really well behind his jab but he leaves himself in range, that’s where the counterpunches from Ngannou, even if they’re landing on the guard, I still think he’s going to be able to rock him and move him around.”

“And then, of course, the psychological impact of, ‘My goodness, this guy hits really hard.’ Then you clinch up with him and he’s incredibly strong as well.”

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“There are a couple of different moments in these opening rounds where AJ could really start to panic when he realizes what he’s up against. And I don’t think he’s got the same kind of composure that Tyson has to be able to at least hold it together for 10 rounds.”

“I am actually [predicting an Ngannou win], yeah I am. As I said, I thought Tyson was going to do the last one and I still feel like Ngannou won that fight. I feel this is a much more winnable fight for Ngannou and I am going to back him in this one.”

Watch Dan Hardy discuss all things Joshua/Ngannou in the video below.