Ben Davison, the coach getting Anthony Joshua ready for his fight with Francis Ngannou, stressed that he’s preparing the British boxer to face a top athlete on the world stage in Saudi Arabia next month.
Before this, Davison helped Tyson Fury return to the top of the heavyweight division until four years ago. He also played a key role in Joshua’s training before his win over Otto Wallin in December. Wallin couldn’t continue after the fifth round, so Joshua won.
Joshua’s performance against Wallin, after his losses to Oleksandr Usyk, hinted at a comeback for the 2021 Olympic gold medalist. He had been criticized for being too careful in the ring in recent years.
If Joshua beats Ngannou, who is new to boxing but gave Davison’s former student Fury a tough fight last October, it could lead to another shot at a world title.
Anthony Joshua talks about the match (Via Finn Parker/Shutterstock)
But as Davison gets ready for his second time training Joshua in the March 8 fight with Ngannou, he expects a tough challenge when the two big hitters meet in the Middle East.
“Ngannou is a fighter, no matter his background,” Davison said about the former UFC heavyweight champion. “Even though he’s new to boxing, he’s still an elite athlete. He has lots of experience in combat sports and has fought at the highest levels. We’re taking this fight very seriously.”
“In the end, it’s a competition,” Davison added. “Both men will be in the ring with gloves, and they’re both strong physical specimens. We can’t ignore Ngannou’s skills as a trained fighter who is now stepping into the boxing ring at the highest level. His past experiences at the top level are important.”
