By TheNewspad
Anthony Joshua stylishly dropped Francis Ngannou in round two of their non title contest in Riyad, Saudi Arabia last Friday and now fans of the Nigerian-born British fighter, are expecting him to regain the world title belts he lost Oleksandr Usyk.
This whiff of optimism by those in affinity with Joshua are thrilled by the manner he quickly despatched Ngannou.
Many spectators in the Kingdom Hall never expected Joshua to dump Ngannou that easily, after the Mixed Martial Arts fighter nearly beat World Boxing Council champion Tyson Fury in October 2023.
Joshua under a new trainer Ben Davison was clinical against Ngannou and his career is in the up swing, it was his third straight victory after his back to back points loss to Usky.
Tyson Fury and Usky who holds the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organization and International Boxing Federation belts are set to clash in a winner takes it all unification fight in May and Joshua is hoping to take another shot at the world titles.
Joshua admitted that the losses against Usyk has opened up his eyes to new things. He worked with three different trainers before teaming up with Davidson.
“It made me realise that what I was doing wasn’t enough.
“I’ve had to push myself as an athlete.
“It’s just good to be getting back on the gravy train, getting focused and active.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn, backed Joshua to regain his titles.
He said after Joshua sent Ngannou to oblivion: “You’re looking at the baddest man on the planet.
“On this form, there’s no man in the world who can beat him in the heavyweight division.
“I told you he’s going to come back, he’s going to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion.
“He’s the best heavyweight in the world and I can’t wait for him to beat Tyson Fury.”
Fury has promised to give Joshua a fight if he beats Usyk and It is a fight that would definitely define the heavyweight division.
On the hand Usyk has not made his next move known, but some he is bound to put his belts on the line if he beats Fury to be the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis achieved the feat in 1999.
Whatever might be the case Joshua,34, based on his current form looks good to rewrite the heavyweight boxing script and take his rightfull place at the top of world boxing.
Joshua with record of 28-3 record, since coming into boxing limelight starting with the London 2012 Olympics gold medal, has made a huge impression, even as he lacks a larger than life image of the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis in modern times.
He won against tested opponents Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin, but an embarrassing loss to David Ruiz questioned his commitment even though he went through the motions and won the rematch.
Losing ultimately twice to Usyk cast a shadow on his ability to thrive in the heavyweight. In his second march up with the Ukrainian, Joshua was yards better than what he displayed in the first bout though he lost on split decision.
Would Joshua be able to complete his comeback and regain his lost titles and establish a long reign at the top? That’s a question only he could answer.
Standing at 6ft 6inch Joshua can stand toe to toe with the best division with his 82-inch reach, he leverages his size and orthodox stance to establish his jab and set up powerful combinations.
His ability to control the pace and distance of his fights has been a key factor in his career, allowing him to land his signature power shots.
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