**Francis Ngannou: Taking Ownership of the Outcome**
**Posted:** March 13, 2024
**Author:** Sean Close
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC star, ventured into the realm of boxing last October when he faced Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. In his debut boxing match, Ngannou nearly bested Fury, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, in a thrilling encounter that ended with a contentious split decision in Fury’s favor. Despite the loss, Ngannou left a lasting impression by knocking Fury down in the third round before succumbing to defeat himself.
The aftermath of the fight raised questions about Ngannou’s potential in the sport. Would he be able to achieve greatness in boxing after coming so close to clinching the heavyweight title in his very first match?
Subsequently, Ngannou faced Anthony Joshua, a former heavyweight titlist, in another bout in Saudi Arabia. Contrary to expectations, Joshua dominated Ngannou in a swift and decisive manner, knocking him down twice in just two rounds. The fight culminated with a crushing blow from Joshua that left Ngannou incapacitated for several minutes.
Reflecting on his performance, Ngannou admitted to feeling unprepared and fatigued before the Joshua fight. Despite his lackluster preparation, the defeated boxer, now sporting a 0-2 record, refused to make excuses. He acknowledged his mistakes and took responsibility for his performance.
Ngannou commended Joshua and his team for their strategic execution, attributing the loss to his own shortcomings rather than external factors. He emphasized the importance of accountability in sports, stating that the responsibility for success or defeat ultimately rests with the individual athlete.
Although the defeat was a harsh lesson for Ngannou, the 37-year-old fighter remains unfazed and determined to bounce back. He expressed gratitude for the support from his team and vowed to learn from his experiences, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
