Joe Rogan’s Insight: Francis Ngannou’s Boxing Career and Future After Anthony Joshua’s Knockout
Francis Ngannou’s transition from MMA to boxing has been met with both anticipation and scrutiny, culminating in a devastating knockout loss to Anthony Joshua that has left the combat sports world questioning his future.
A Shift in Career Path
Following a contract dispute with the UFC, Francis Ngannou, known for his powerhouse performances in MMA, made a surprising move to boxing. His debut against Tyson Fury garnered attention, showcasing his formidable striking skills. However, his subsequent bout with Anthony Joshua ended in a second-round knockout, marking his second loss in boxing.
Jackson is now concerned about his career in boxing and asked Rogan, “Do you think he will ever go back to boxing?”
Rogan was quick to respond during the JRE MMA Show #159 saying, ” Yeah”.
Joe Rogan’s Candid Assessment
Renowned MMA commentator Joe Rogan recently discussed Ngannou’s boxing career on his JRE MMA Show, highlighting the impact of the Joshua loss. Rogan, alongside former champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, deliberated on Ngannou’s prospects in boxing, with Rogan expressing doubts about a seamless return to the ring.
The JRE host further stated, “Because he made so much money, you know. But you know, like after the Joshua fight, it’s going to be different, right? ”
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The Financial Perspective
Rogan emphasized Ngannou’s financial gains from his boxing venture, suggesting that despite the setback, the lucrative nature of his new career path might tempt him to continue. However, Rogan cautioned that the defeat could fundamentally alter Ngannou’s approach and performance in the sport.
While speaking on his JRE Fight Companion podcast, he said, “The thing is, no one had seen Francis fight as a boxer and no one knew what to expect. But then, Anthony Joshua got to study the style and see the holes in his game, and he exploited that like a f***ing professional”.
Analyzing the Loss
During his JRE Fight Companion podcast, Rogan dissected the reasons behind Ngannou’s defeat to Joshua. He attributed Joshua’s victory to strategic preparation and familiarity with Ngannou’s boxing style, noting Joshua’s ability to exploit perceived weaknesses effectively.
According to the JRE host, the former champion could become a heavyweight champion in boxing and said, “If Francis had gotten into boxing when he got into the UFC, he’d be the heavyweight champion of the world.”
Future Prospects
Despite the setback, Rogan remains optimistic about Ngannou’s potential in boxing, speculating that with adjustments and further training, Ngannou could still achieve success in the heavyweight division. Rogan pointed out that had Ngannou transitioned to boxing earlier in his career, his trajectory might have been markedly different.
