The Outernet venue in central London was where the Fury-Ngannou and Usyk-Fury news conferences were held last year. This time, however, the theatrics of the Gypsy King were missing.
Joshua appeared relaxed and at ease. After several years of battling the ‘AJ has lost it’ brigade, his career has reignited with three solid wins in 2023.
He will claim bragging rights by overcoming Ngannou in better fashion than rival Fury did.
Ngannou’s foray into boxing is nothing short of remarkable. We will find out whether he is a true heavyweight contender or just a flash in the pan.
We can, however, say with certainty this is the era of Saudi-influenced boxing. The Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn bromance is blossoming and those barriers that have historically prevented big fights from taking place appear to have shattered.
Alalshikh outlined his boxing ambitions and even proposed Warren and Hearn pick five fighters from each of their stable for a boxing event in 2024, prompting the rival promoters to shake hands.
Critics, however, will point to his ambitions as the latest attempt to gain legitimacy and deflect attention from controversy over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its impact on the environment with marquee sporting events.
