08 March 2024 , 10:00
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Anthony Joshua will earn over £30million for his heavyweight showdown tonight against Francis Ngannou.
Former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Joshua looks to extend his unbeaten streak to four fights against Ngannou, a former UFC champion with just one boxing fight under his belt. Ngannou made his ring debut against Tyson Fury last October and lost a controversial decision despite dropping the heavyweight champion.
Having already earned around £30million for his three wins against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin last year, 'AJ' will take home the same amount for just one fight when he faces Ngannou, according to Sport Business Journal. Ngannou will make £16million which is considerably more than the £10million he made for fighting Fury.
Ngannou made just £440,000 for the final defence of his UFC world title as he parted ways with the promotion last January in a bitter contract dispute. The Cameroonian has now made waves in boxing after just one fight and could be set for an undisputed world title shot if he gets past Joshua.
“I really think I haven’t shocked the world. I am still in the factory. building, training, learning and when I really get it, that is when the world is going to be shocked. I am just learning about the sport I have loved my entire life and now I am getting the opportunity to get some experience and really do it," Ngannou said.
Eddie Hearn opens talks for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou heavyweight fight
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Joshua was supposed to fight Deontay Wilder tonight instead of Ngannou, but the American ruined those plans when he lost to Joseph Parker just moments before 'AJ' beat Wallin. “I had about 10 days off then got back to the grind. God is good and we are happy. All will be revealed," Joshua said.
"Straight out war, relentlessness, a good fight, That is what everyone is here for, a good fight. We are not looking past this fight, the incentives and all that stuff, it is just about a win. I’ve got to focus on my game plan and what I’ve got to do. His first dream was to be a boxer, which people forget. He had been doing it from a young age so I know what I am up against."