China’s Zheilei Zhang advices Anthony Joshua toward bout with Francis Ngannou

Follow Us Now!

Chinese southpaw Zheilei Zhang who holds the WBO interim heavyweight title adviced British boxer Anthony Joshua who readies himself to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in the ring on March 8.

One of the things Joshua’s opponent was known for in the UFC is the same powerful punch that nearly registered an upset last year during his boxing debut against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Zhang put this ability into consideration while predicting the winner of the fight and giving advice to Joshua.

‘When you look at Ngannou he is a novice in boxing but he did really well against Tyson Fury, everyone can see that,’ Zhang said to IFL TV. ‘In terms of skill and experience, Joshua has the upper hand however Ngannou has the power and the chin.’

But Joshua’s skills would not be enough, according to Zhang.

‘We’re talking heavyweight boxing. So many things can happen in one second.

‘One punch can change the whole fight, so you never know. Joshua has to pay attention to his defense and make sure it is sound going into that fight.’

Joshua who was beaten by one of the sneakiest fighters in boxing’s heavyweight division, Oleksander Usyk, likely understands the importance of defense, especially after watching Tyson Fury get knocked down by debutant Ngannou.