Joshua Chooses Ngannou Over Wilder, Hrgovic, and Ruiz Jr
Anthony Joshua has disclosed that he declined three other potential opponents before agreeing to face Francis Ngannou in an upcoming fight. The 34-year-old boxer will go head-to-head with the former UFC heavyweight champion on March 8 in Saudi Arabia.
Wilder's Defeat Opens Door for Ngannou
Prior to Joshua's victory over Otto Wallin in December, he had signed a contract to fight Deontay Wilder. However, Wilder's loss to Joseph Parker on the same bill led many to believe that a bout with Joshua was no longer possible. Despite this setback, Joshua still believed he could have faced Wilder next.
Other Potential Opponents Considered
In addition to Wilder, Joshua and his team also discussed potential fights with IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic and a trilogy match against Andy Ruiz Jr. The latter would have been a follow-up to their two fights in 2019. However, when the opportunity to fight Ngannou arose, Joshua saw it as a good chance and agreed to the bout.
Joshua's Focus on Ngannou, Not Fury or Usyk
If Joshua emerges victorious against Ngannou, many will want him to face the winner of the upcoming undisputed fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on February 17. However, Joshua made it clear that his current focus is solely on Ngannou. He emphasized that the fight with Ngannou is his undisputed title fight and that he respects his opponent's skills.
"Ngannou is my undisputed fight. Because you're only as good as your last fight, and I respect him a lot. He ain't easy money. He's a hard night's work," Joshua stated. "And you know what's crazy? So am I. I'm a hard night's work for anyone. So let's go, it's going to be fireworks."
Joshua will enter the Ngannou fight on the back of three consecutive wins against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, and Wallin. Ngannou, on the other hand, is preparing for only his second professional boxing match following a narrow split decision loss to Tyson Fury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for when choosing a boxing trainer?
When looking for a trainer or boxing coach, it is important to look at their coaching style compatibility and experience. They should also have a good understanding of the technical and strategy aspects of boxing. A good boxing trainer will also focus on safety, personal growth, and conditioning. Additionally, it is essential to have a coach who communicates effectively and motivates you to reach your full potential in boxing.
How important does physical conditioning play in professional Boxing?
Physical fitness is essential for professional boxing. The sport demands a high level of strength, speed and endurance. Professional boxers must engage in a tailored fitness program that includes aerobic and anaerobic exercises, strength and resistance training, and flexibility workouts. A boxer’s performance in the ring and ability to train is severely compromised without superior physical conditioning.
Is there an age limit for boxing?
Age restrictions do exist in professional boxing. Most boxing commissions insist that boxers must be 18 or older in order to fight professionally. There is no upper limit to the age that a person can safely compete, but there are factors such as physical abilities and health. The fitness of older athletes and the risks involved in taking up professional sports must be carefully assessed before they begin.
How does a boxer maintain weight and weight class?
Boxers maintain their weight with a combination of strict diets, and training. Dieticians work with boxers to create a diet that allows them to achieve their weight-class target without sacrificing energy and nutrition. Regular weight checks and consistent exercise are essential, especially when a fight is approaching. Weight management can be a strategy that can cause health problems or poor performance if it is not done correctly.
What are some of the risks involved in professional boxing?
Like all contact sports, professional boxing has inherent risks. This includes acute injuries like cuts, bruises broken bones and head trauma as well as chronic conditions such as concussions or neurological disorders. Although boxing regulations and safety equipment can help to reduce risk, it is impossible to eliminate them completely. Understanding and accepting these risks is a critical part of choosing to box professionally.
What are the main components of a professional boxer’s routine?
A boxer’s training routine typically consists of several key components. Technical skill development, strength and conditioning exercises, sparring and mental preparation are all part of a boxer’s training routine. Tactical drills allow for the development of fight strategies while focusing on technique. Sparring and conditioning exercises provide practical combat experience. Mental training builds confidence, focus and resilience.
How long will it take me to become a boxer professional?
The time needed to become a professional fighter can vary greatly. The time it takes to become a professional boxer can vary widely. It all depends on an individual’s skill level at the start, their ability to adapt to the sport and the quality training they receive. On average, it could take several years of dedicated training and successful amateur experience before one is ready to turn professional. Some exceptional talents may progress more quickly than others, but some will need more time.
Statistics
- The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
- Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
- Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
- A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
- Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer’s conditioning program.
- An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
- Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
External Links
wbcboxing.com
usaboxing.org
sweetsciencefitness.com
boxingnewsonline.net
titleboxing.com
precisionstriking.com
proboxing-fans.com
How To
How to improve defense in boxing
Improving defense is as important as perfecting your offense in professional boxing. Focus on footwork, blocking, and head movements. Practice regularly slipping, bobbing, weaving, and angles in order to evade punts. Use defensive maneuvers during sparring sessions to create muscle memory under live conditions. Consider your sparring to identify any defensive flaws, then work with your trainer to correct them. Your ability to effectively defend can have a significant impact on the outcome of a fight.
