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British boxing legend Lennox Lewis has issued a warning to Anthony Joshua ahead of his fight against Francis Ngannou on March 8 in Saudi Arabia.
Lennox Lewis, a former world heavyweight champion, has cautioned Anthony Joshua about the potential consequences of losing to Francis Ngannou. Despite the hype surrounding Ngannou's boxing career after his debut victory over Tyson Fury, Lewis believes that the fight with Joshua is nothing more than a cash grab. Lewis expressed his opinion on X, stating that the fight adds "ZERO credibility" to Joshua's resume. He emphasized that if Joshua were to lose, it would be an "absolute disaster" for his career, much like the near-devastating outcome for Fury when he suffered a defeat.
Joshua's Road to Redemption
Anthony Joshua's upcoming fight against Francis Ngannou is a crucial opportunity for redemption. After dropping Tyson Fury in his debut fight last October but controversially losing on points, Joshua needs a decisive victory to regain his standing in the boxing world. The boxing community eagerly awaits this high-stakes clash between the two heavyweight contenders.
Ngannou's Rise to Prominence
Francis Ngannou's stock as a boxer rose significantly after his fight with Tyson Fury. His ability to make the most of his opportunities has been commendable. Lewis acknowledges Ngannou's talent but believes that the fight with Joshua will not enhance Joshua's reputation, as he is expected to win. However, Lewis also warns that a loss to Ngannou would be a severe blow to Joshua's career.
Future Championship Aspirations
Organizers in Saudi Arabia are hoping that the winners of the fights between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, as well as Joshua and Ngannou, will eventually face off for the undisputed title. The outcome of Joshua's bout with Ngannou will determine his future in the world of boxing and potentially set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown.
Hearn Responds to Lewis' Criticism
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, responded to Lennox Lewis' comments on social media. Hearn emphasized that the winner of the Joshua-Ngannou fight is expected to face the winner of the Fury-Usyk bout for the undisputed title. He expressed confidence in Joshua's abilities and suggested that Lewis would be delighted when Joshua joins the exclusive club of undisputed champions.
