Francis Ngannou accuses boxing promoters of using dirty tactics to assist Anthony Joshua
### Francis Ngannou vs Anthony Joshua: Controversy and Accusations **Background:** Francis Ngannou made his boxing debut in October 2023, facing Tyson Fury and losing by a split decision. In his second boxing match this past March, Ngannou faced Anthony Joshua, which ended in a knockout victory for Joshua. Ngannou, the 37-year-old former UFC champion, now…
### Francis Ngannou vs Anthony Joshua: Controversy and Accusations
**Background:**
Francis Ngannou made his boxing debut in October 2023, facing Tyson Fury and losing by a split decision. In his second boxing match this past March, Ngannou faced Anthony Joshua, which ended in a knockout victory for Joshua. Ngannou, the 37-year-old former UFC champion, now holds a 0-2 record in professional boxing.
**Ngannou’s Allegations:**
In a recent episode of ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’, Ngannou expressed his belief that British boxing promoters plotted against him during his fight with Anthony Joshua. He detailed several incidents during fight week that he felt were designed to wear him down.
**Fight Week Incidents:**
Ngannou described being made to wait long periods before media events. By the third day, his striking coach, Dewey Cooper, became increasingly frustrated, suspecting that these delays were intentional. Ngannou initially dismissed these concerns.
**Fight Day Issues:**
On the day of the fight, Ngannou recounted receiving an email stating a pickup time of 10:30 AM from the hotel, with the fight expected to start between midnight and 1 AM. Despite arriving at the arena at 10:45 AM, a producer informed him that the fight would be delayed until around 1:45 AM, resulting in a three-hour wait.
**Fatigue and Frustration:**
Ngannou described feeling exhausted as he waited for the fight to start. He noted that Joshua did not arrive until 1:30 AM, and they didn’t leave the room until 3:30 AM. Having trained in Saudi Arabia for nearly two months to fight at a specific time, the delays and disruptions left Ngannou feeling unusually tired and out of sorts. He even found himself falling asleep in the locker room while hitting mitts.
**Ngannou’s Conclusion:**
Ngannou does not blame Joshua for the situation, acknowledging Joshua’s skill and the possibility that he could have lost to him under fair conditions. However, Ngannou holds the organization responsible, specifically citing Queensbury Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, who managed the fight schedules and logistics. He believes their actions were unfair and contributed to his defeat.
**Future Plans:**
Ngannou is now focusing on his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut, scheduled for October, where he will face Renan Ferreira.
**Public Reaction:**
Ngannou’s accusations have sparked a debate about the fairness of the events leading up to his fight with Joshua. What do you think about Ngannou’s allegations against the boxing promoters?