Mar 02 2024 News

FIVE THINGS NGANNOU NEEDS TO DO TO WIN AGAINST AJ, ACCORDING TO JERMAINE FRANKLIN

As the highly anticipated clash between Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua draws near, former Joshua opponent Jermaine Franklin has weighed in with valuable insights on how Ngannou can secure victory over the two-time world heavyweight champion. Scheduled for March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this bout carries immense implications for the future of the heavyweight division, potentially determining the next challenger for the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk. Franklin, who faced Joshua at The O2 Arena in April last year, recognizes the formidable challenge that Ngannou faces but believes in his ability to emerge victorious. Drawing from his own experiences and observations, Franklin outlined five key strategies that Ngannou should employ to maximize his chances against Joshua. "Francis needs to do these five things," Franklin emphasized.

1. Start Fast and Assert Dominance: Franklin advises Ngannou to come out with aggression, aiming to bully Joshua from the outset. He notes that Joshua tends to struggle when facing relentless pressure.
2. Utilize the Jab to Set Up Power Shots: Ngannou should rely on his jab to establish distance and rhythm, using it as a setup for his devastating power punches rather than relying solely on one-shot knockout attempts.
3. Exercise Patience and Wait for Openings: Franklin emphasizes the importance of patience, urging Ngannou to wait for opportunities to present themselves rather than forcing the action. He highlights Ngannou's performance against Fury as evidence of his ability to bide his time and capitalize on openings.
4. Absorb Joshua's Power: Franklin acknowledges Joshua's formidable punching power but believes Ngannou can withstand it. He suggests that if Ngannou can weather Joshua's punches, he stands a significant chance of emerging victorious.
5. Target the Body and Employ Angles: Ngannou should focus on attacking Joshua's body and utilizing angles to evade Joshua's power shots effectively. By varying his attack and creating angles, Ngannou can disrupt Joshua's rhythm and capitalize on openings.

Reflecting on Ngannou's surprising performance against Fury in his professional boxing debut, Franklin expresses confidence in Ngannou's ability to shock the world once again. He highlights Ngannou's heart, power, and ring intelligence as key assets that could tilt the odds in his favor. "While it would shock the world if he wins, if Francis follows these strategies, he wins for me," Franklin asserts. He underscores Ngannou's status as a dangerous fighter with nothing to lose, emphasizing the unpredictability and tenacity that such fighters bring to the ring. With both fighters poised to deliver a thrilling showdown, all eyes will be on Riyadh as Ngannou and Joshua collide in a battle that could redefine the landscape of the heavyweight division. As Ngannou seeks to etch his name in boxing history, Franklin's five-point plan serves as a blueprint for potential success, offering invaluable guidance as Ngannou prepares to enter the lion's den against Joshua.   #FrancisNgannou #AnthonyJoshua #Boxing