It was no surprise to former heavyweight champion David Haye when Anthony Joshua made quick work of Francis Ngannou in their recent bout. One glaring error that Haye pointed out was Ngannou’s decision to switch to a southpaw stance in the opening round. This move played right into Joshua’s strengths, as he promptly landed a devastating straight right hand that sent Ngannou to the canvas. Joshua’s experience in facing southpaw opponents, including recent bouts against Otto Wallin and Oleksandr Usyk, made this strategic choice by Ngannou a fatal mistake that he could not recover from.
David Haye expressed his astonishment at the mismatch between a seasoned champion like Anthony Joshua and a novice with a 0-1 record like Ngannou. The fight was a stark example of the pitfalls of allowing such lopsided matchups to take place in professional boxing. In a sport where skill and experience should dictate the level of competition, the Ngannou-Joshua fight was a glaring anomaly that should serve as a lesson for promoters and organizers. While the spectacle may have drawn huge financial rewards, it ultimately did a disservice to the sport and the fans who expected a fair and competitive contest.
When asked about Ngannou’s future in the sport, David Haye cast doubts on the fighter’s ability to bounce back from such a devastating defeat. Haye pointed out Ngannou’s lack of technical refinement and his apparent focus on high-profile, big-money fights rather than gradual progression through the ranks. This approach, Haye argued, only sets Ngannou up for further humiliation and defeats at the hands of more seasoned opponents. It is a cautionary tale of the dangers of chasing fame and fortune without putting in the necessary work and dedication to hone one’s craft.
In the end, the Ngannou-Joshua bout serves as a sobering reminder of the harsh realities of professional boxing. While the allure of big paydays and high-profile matchups may be tempting, the true essence of the sport lies in hard work, skill development, and a dedication to the craft. Ngannou’s swift downfall at the hands of Joshua should serve as a wakeup call for both fighters and promoters to prioritize sporting integrity and competitive fairness over mere spectacle and financial gains. Only through a commitment to the core values of boxing can the sport truly flourish and produce meaningful and compelling matchups for fans to enjoy.