'Look what he did to Tyson Fury' – Joshua Buatsi sends warning to Anthony Joshua for blockbuster Francis Ngannou bout

26/01/2024 11:18

Anthony Joshua has been told he cannot underestimate Francis Ngannou.

That is the view of Joshua Buatsi, who has backed his close friend to come out on top in the March blockbuster in Saudi Arabia.

After his explosive victory over Otto Wallin in the Middle East last time out, AJ will now look to put on another show – this time against MMA legend Ngannou.

Many doubted the former UFC heavyweight champion’s boxing credentials ahead of his bout against Tyson Fury in October, which was his first as a professional boxer.

But he quickly silenced his critics after flooring the Gypsy King in the third round, before losing on points in a controversial split decision.

With Fury to face Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed affair next month, the winner out of Joshua and Ngannou is in line to fight for all four belts later in 2024.

And unbeaten light-heavyweight Buatsi, who is preparing to fight Dan Azeez on February 3, is convinced his fellow Olympian will prevail, though he must keep his wits about him.

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT.com, Buatsi, who trained closely with Joshua when previously signed to his management company, was asked whether facing Ngannou is the right choice.

To which he said: “Yeah, why not? I think to summarise it, whoever he faces, I will always say Joshua will win.

“I’m biased like that, I’m not going to lie about it.”

But he is fully aware of the dangers that Ngannou possesses, as he admitted he could cause Joshua problems.

Pressed on whether Ngannou poses a threat with his power, Buatsi remarked: “Of course there is.

“Look what he did to Fury! He showed us that he can box.

“Because I thought originally, he’s going to start quick and then just gas out and have no idea what to do.

“But the three-minute rounds, he was able to do it.

“In the UFC they have three, five-minute rounds, so I thought that system might have got to him.

“But not at all, he was impressive, very impressive.”