Ngannou accuses Joshua of cheating unfairly, something is going on behind the scenes.
Francis Ngannou, MMA powerhouse and former UFC heavyweight champion, made an impressive comeback to mixed martial arts with a stunning first-round knockout in the PFL Heavyweight Super Fights Championship. However, despite this victory, Ngannou’s eyes remain fixed on the boxing ring, where his past encounter with Anthony Joshua still casts a shadow over his career. After shocking the world with a knockdown of Tyson Fury in their 2023 match, Ngannou was unexpectedly knocked out by Joshua just five months later. Now, with a renewed focus, Ngannou has hinted at the possibility of a rematch but has made it clear that some unresolved issues from his previous fight with Joshua must first be addressed.
Ngannou Distances Himself from Anthony Joshua Rematch
In a candid conversation with Second’s Out, Ngannou revealed that he is not particularly enthusiastic about a potential rematch with Anthony Joshua. While acknowledging that a second fight with the British boxer could happen, he confessed that the first bout left him feeling uncomfortable. Ngannou stated, “I felt very off and not comfortable in that fight.” This discomfort seems to have been fueled by a series of questionable events leading up to the fight, which Ngannou claims affected his performance. He further added, “It’s something that could happen, but what I do know for sure is I want the rematch with [Tyson] Fury.”
Unfair Treatment Behind the Scenes: Ngannou’s Frustration
Ngannou’s comments shed light on his growing suspicions that something unfair transpired during the buildup to the fight with Joshua. Although he refrains from labeling himself a conspiracy theorist, he firmly believes that the circumstances surrounding the fight were not right. The MMA juggernaut shared his frustration with the situation, stating that he was kept in his locker room for nearly four hours, an experience that was far from typical. For Ngannou, this alone raised red flags, signaling that something unusual had taken place before the fight.
Ngannou Talks About ‘Tricks’ and ‘Sneaky Stuff’
In addition to the strange delay in the locker room, Ngannou revealed that “a lot of tricks” were played on him in the lead-up to his bout with Joshua. According to the heavyweight star, these “sneaky” actions included being left without transportation during fight week and being forced to arrive at the arena several hours earlier than necessary. Meanwhile, Joshua was able to arrive right on time for the highly anticipated main event. Ngannou’s frustrations were compounded by the feeling that these behind-the-scenes tactics were designed to cause him discomfort and fatigue, ultimately affecting his performance on fight night.
Ngannou’s Desire for a Tyson Fury Rematch
Despite the setbacks in his boxing career, Ngannou is still highly motivated for a rematch with Tyson Fury. The former UFC champion has made it clear that he would rather face the Gypsy King again than continue his involvement with Joshua under suspicious circumstances. His statement regarding the fight with Fury shows a clear preference for closing that chapter, saying, “If it would be the same scenario [as with Joshua], I’m not interested—something unfair definitely happened.”
The Future for Francis Ngannou: What’s Next?
With multiple potential opponents in both MMA and boxing, Ngannou has a variety of options to consider. However, his focus appears to be on addressing what he believes was an unfair experience with Anthony Joshua. Should the right conditions arise, a rematch might be on the horizon, but for now, Ngannou’s priority remains Tyson Fury. Whether or not his suspicions will ultimately lead to further drama in the boxing world, one thing is certain: Francis Ngannou is determined to fight on his own terms, and no amount of behind-the-scenes manipulation will stop him from seeking justice inside the ring.
