Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou sparring partner gives take on showdown

05 March 2024 , 13:07

838     0

Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou sparring partner gives take on showdown

Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou’s sparring partner Jeremiah Milton doesn’t expect their heavyweight showdown to see the final bell.

Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua and ex-UFC champion Ngannou clash this Friday in Saudi Arabia for the chance to secure an undisputed world title shot. Milton helped Joshua prepare for his fights against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius last year and has been sparring Ngannou for his fight against 'AJ'.

In an exclusive chat with Mirror Fighting, Milton said of his sparring sessions with Joshua and Ngannou: "They’ve both had their moments. You can’t get swim and not get wet. They are two giant guys with the look and aesthetics, they are both very talented. I don’t dwell on getting punched and I don’t try to get hit too often, but I’d said they are both punchers."

Milton was expecting a call from Joshua to help him prepare for the fight and that did eventually come, but only when the American was already on his flight out to Saudi after agreeing to be a sparring partner for Ngannou. The unbeaten heavyweight thinks Ngannou has improved leaps and bounds since his controversial debut against Tyson Fury four months ago.

"I didn’t spar with Francis the first time but he’s made all the right strides going into a proper camp. He’s sharpened up a lot and we’ve pushed him, we didn’t pull any punches. I’m curious to see how these two forces collide because they are units and this is what makes it an exciting fight. Don’t expect this fight to make it to the bell, there’s going to be some big shots," he added.

Eddie Hearn opens talks for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou heavyweight fight

Ngannou shocked the boxing world with his performance against Fury as he dropped the heavyweight champion and only lost by a single point. Milton admitted that he didn't back Ngannou to hold his own against Fury and thinks it would be stupid to overlook the former UFC champion's chances of beating Joshua.

"He didn't get the win against Fury but we're only talking about him in this moment because of the account he gave of himself. Does he belong there? Absolutely, he's not undeserving of it. We look at this MMA concept and how it's not supposed to work in boxing but a fighter is a fighter. Heavyweight boxing is different because of the significance of a punch," he added.

Harry Davies