Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou - Tale of the Tape: Weight, height, reach, trainer & professional boxing records

We analyse the credentials and statistics of Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou as AJ bids to maintain his charge towards a third world title against the former UFC heavyweight king.

When Francis Ngannou became UFC heavyweight champion in March 2021 it would have taken a brave individual to predict that two years later, he would be fighting Anthony Joshua.

On Friday 8th March in Saudi Arabia Ngannou will do just that; swapping the octagon once again for the squared circle in back-to-back fights.

Joshua will look to do what his bitter rival Tyson Fury could not and knock out the Cameroonian.

Ngannou’s unexpected success in that fight and the fallout from his defeat afterwards paved the way for another shot at one of the biggest names in the heavyweight division.

Another dual in the desert awaits boxing fans but who will be the last man standing? 

It's time to look at the 'Tale of the Tape'...
 

Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou
Tale of the Tape

	Anthony Joshua	Francis Ngannou
Odds:	2/9	10/3
Age:	34	37
Nickname:	'AJ'	'The Predator'
Height:	6ft 6ins	6ft 4ins
Reach:	82ins	83ins
Weight:	Heavyweight	Heavyweight
Trainer:	Ben Davison	Dewey Cooper
Record:	27-3 (16 KOs)	0-1
Last Fight:	Won - (RTD) v Otto Wallin (December 2023)	Lost - (UD) v Tyson Fury (October 2023)

Anthony Joshua
In Profile

The career of Anthony Joshua received a timely boost in defeating Otto Wallin in December.

Prior to the fight there were enough voices suggesting that the Swedish southpaw would present difficulties for Joshua, who had failed to impress since his valiant defeat to Oleksandr Usyk during their August 2022 rematch.

Wins against Jermaine Franklin Jr and Robert Helenius did little to instil belief in Joshua’s supporters that he was still a heavyweight force to be reckoned with, but his dismantling of Wallin in five rounds was eye-catching stuff. 

The argument is, however, that Joshua knew his man very well, and knew exactly how to beat his man having faced him in the amateurs and sparred many rounds with him as a professional.

One crucial factor in all of this is the employment of Ben Davison in the role of Joshua’s trainer. 

It’s unknown how much of a part American coach Derrick James is now playing in the Brit’s preparations, but the Davison effect could be seen against Wallin. 

Joshua looked confident, aggressive, and, crucially, let his hands go; unlike the tentative sight we’d witnessed in his previous two fights.

AJ, Davison, and the rest of the team now know what Ngannou brings to a boxing ring and the one constant danger will be the power of the 37-year-old. 

But Davison has shown previously in his work with Leigh Wood how to nullify opponents with heavy hands. Joshua will do well to listen to every single word his new team has to say.

Strengths:	Weaknesses:
Jab	Chin
Counter punching	Lack of head movement
Hand speed	Stamina
Power	Footwork

Francis Ngannou
In Profile

So, that’s what Francis Ngannou can do in a boxing ring!

A similar thought would have travelled through the mind of many a boxing fan after his incredible effort against Tyson Fury in Riyadh four months ago. 

Not only did Ngannou last the 10-round distance against the WBC heavyweight champion, but he floored the giant Brit with a left hook in the third round. A moment as shocking as Joe Frazier dropping Muhammad Ali in the 15th round of their epic encounter 53 years ago. 

And on the same date, 8th March, Ngannou will look to stun the boxing world once again by beating two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

However you view Fury’s performance or how you think he prepared for the fight Ngannou proved he is a dangerous heavyweight not to be trifled with. 

But too often he went looking for the KO rather than using ring smarts and plotting a way in to use his power. 

In this fight, Ngannou can’t bank on the fact that Joshua’s chin won’t stand up to his punches. Joshua’s credentials prove he is an intelligent fighter and has had to use his ring craft much more lately. 

Most of the pressure is on Joshua, but there is a weight to be carried on Ngannou’s shoulders too. 

With his PFL MMA debut rumoured to be in the works he must ask himself if he is serious about becoming a title contender in boxing or looking to make as much money as he can. 

Strengths:	Weaknesses:
Power	Footwork
Explosiveness	Movement
Strength	Repetitive
Ruthless	No 'Plan B'

All odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.