Jon Jones Backs Joshua To Beat Ngannou – ‘Sorry, Francis’
Jon Jones has backed Anthony Joshua to beat Francis Ngannou.
The two fighters square off on March 8 for Ngannou’s second boxing bout. There is an anticipation of seeing him again following his first performance. He lost a competitive split decision against Tyson Fury last year, with some believing he had done enough to win.
While that may have been the case, Ngannou earned a top-ten WBC ranking. That secured the Joshua fight, as he has spoken about his desire to test Joshua’s chin. There are still question marks over whether Ngannou can replicate that form or if it was simply a case of Fury having an off night. But Jones felt Joshua would beat Ngannou.
Jones On Ngannou
“Anthony Joshua, he’s been doing this since he’s a young boy, and I’m the type of guy that just gives respect where it’s due. If I had to personally put my money on it, not that I gamble, I would put it on Anthony Joshua, but I am rooting for Francis Ngannou. Sorry, Francis,” Jones said
Despite this, Ngannou has come closest to winning from all the MMA fighters who have crossed over. By crossing over into the boxing world, Ngannou had to leave the UFC and ended up signing with the PFL. But by doing so, he lost the chance to fight Jon Jones.
Dana White refused to work with Ngannou again after contract talks had broken down, leading to his departure. Meanwhile, the CEO of the UFC dismissed the idea of having a cross-promotion with the PFL. That has left Tom Aspinall as a possible opponent after Stipe Miocic. Jones was set to defend his UFC Heavyweight Title against Miocic at UFC 295.
But the champion pulled out after injuring his pectoral muscle in sparring. He underwent surgery, which was followed by further surgery on his elbow. Aspinall responded by demanding that the UFC strip Jones of his belt, making him and Miocic fight for the vacant title. The winner would then face Jones. But given that White refused to do that, Jones will face Miocic. But the champion was looking forward to all the smoke.
Jones’ Future
“I feel like there’s a lot of fights that the world wants right now. The Tom Aspinall fight, that’s really massive. Francis Ngannou and I would be really massive, and Stipe [Miocic] to the hardcore fans, it’s still a respectable opponent. I don’t know how the cards are going to fall. My prediction is that I will beat Stipe Miocic. My prediction is I will beat Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou. The way that it unfolds is really not my business. My job is just to do what I’ve always done,” Jones added
Even if Jones expects to beat Ngannou, he had no bad intentions towards the former UFC Heavyweight Champion. Bones was rooting for Ngannou, hoping he would shock the boxing world by pulling off an upset win.
“I’m rooting for Francis to win only because of his story, how far he’s coming in life, him being a fellow mixed martial artist. How could you not root for Francis? Francis is a wonderful, stand-up person. I’m rooting for Francis,” Jones revealed
Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.
