Ngannou versus Joshua: Israel Adesanya refuses to take sides

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Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya refuses to take sides in the oncoming bout between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.

Adesanya revealed through FREESTYLEBENDER his YouTube channel that both pugilists were his friends. But the resting MMA superstar said few things he expected in the future bout.

Joshua made his return on December 23 by beating Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin in five rounds, while pro boxing newbie Ngannou nearly defeated the WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury while a debutant.

Though Adesanya who backed Ngannou against Fury would be taking a center position this time, he said the following in his video:

‘Me and AJ, we’re cool, we talk. And Francis, that’s my brother as well.

‘They both win, they’re both gonna get paid… When it comes to fighting, I know ‘AJ’ can box, I know ‘AJ’ is a specialist.

‘But, I know Francis can fight. He showed in his last boxing fight that he can beat one of, if not the, best boxers of this generation.

‘It’s not my place to pick a winner… But, I have a weird feeling that you don’t wanna blink in this fight.

‘I think (there’s gonna be more activity in this fight), especially with the way ‘AJ’ fought his last fight. I’ve talked to ‘AJ’ about other things… he’s a very strong individual, and so is Francis. ‘AJ’ can crack.

‘Also, Francis, one think people don’t understand… Francis has a strong spirit. He’s player one.’

Joshua and Ngannou are eyeing the opportunity to grasp for the undisputed world heavyweight title, so they are likely to put all they can into the fight.

On the other side of Ngannou’s double career is PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira who is waiting to have a match with the former UFC heavyweight king.