Francis Ngannou fires warning shot to Anthony Joshua ahead of Saudi showdown - 'I've heard he doesn't have a chin'

Francis Ngannou has vowed to give Anthony Joshua a tougher fight than Otto Wallin and “find out” if the Brit has a chin when the pair collide in Saudi Arabia on March 8.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou shocked the world when he dropped Tyson Fury on his boxing debut last October before losing a contentious split decision.

Despite the loss, there’s no doubt the Cameroonian star’s stock undoubtedly rose after his showing against the 'Gypsy King' and he now has another mega fight lined up against Joshua.

AJ was set to finally step in the ring against Deontay Wilder until the American was well beaten by Joseph Parker on December’s ‘Day of Reckoning’ card.

Defeat for Wilder left the door open for Ngannou, who jumped at the chance to once again test himself against one of the sport’s biggest names.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Ngannou admitted Joshua looked “very sharp” in his last outing but questioned the calibre of his opponent, insisting he will pose a far greater threat than Wallin.

Eddie Hearn is adamant Ngannou will be “easy work” for Joshua, who is on a three-fight win streak, but the former UFC star thinks he could earn a stoppage victory if he lands the same punch that sent Fury to the canvas.

“Eddie is a promoter, that’s routine for him. He says the same thing all the time, just not about Francis Ngannou but somebody else,” Ngannou told Helwani.

“That’s just what he does. The date is set. It’s two months from now, and if any of them think they’re going to have easy money, that’s too bad for them.

“If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he’s standing up.

“I’ve heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I’m going to find out.”

Despite the confidence emanating from both camps, Ngannou holds no personal grudge against Joshua.

Instead, the 37-year-old is motivated by the “challenge” of testing himself in a bid to find out his true potential.

And although they’ve yet to face-off with each other, he is already eyeing a rematch with AJ in Africa.

“At the end of the day, it’s great stuff for both of us. He could be my brother and I’d still fight him because it elevates us both, it elevates the sport, it elevates the continent.

“It’s not about a fight. You are not fighting somebody because you hate him, you fight him because it’s a challenge and the fight always elevates both fighters, whether you win or lose.

“Eddie Hearn said a lot of s***, but one thing he said that makes sense is maybe a potential rematch in Africa with Joshua. I think that sounds cool. We will call that Black Excellence.”

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