Anthony Joshua is preparing for his first fight in 2024 after an impressive 2023 that saw the former unified world heavyweight champion win three times.
"AJ" rang off victories against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin last year — the latter two of which came by stoppage — and on March 8 he'll take on Francis Ngannou in a tilt shown live on DAZN.
Ngannou represents a new challenge for Joshua in that the Cameroonian is already considered among the better heavyweights in the world despite having just one previous fight under his belt. A former UFC champion, Ngannou crossed over into boxing with an impressive debut performance against Tyson Fury, taking the WBC champion the distance in a losing effort.
Among those in the boxing world that Ngannou impressed in his maiden outing was Joshua's promoter, Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn. Speaking about the upcoming bout, Hearn expressed confidence in his fighter but explained how Ngannou could cause some problems for the Briton.
"It's a tough fight against Ngannou," Hearn told iFL TV.
"Your brain says [Joshua] should break [Ngannou] down and deal with him comfortably but you know he's dangerous, you know the guy's is gonna let his hands go, you know he's a big puncher. So you've just got to be on it."
Despite acknowledging the danger Ngannou poses, Hearn feels Joshua's recent results indicate why the 34-year-old should be favoured.
"I think in this kind of form, I think AJ's the best heavyweight in the world," he said. "But I'm gonna say that, aren't I?"
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