Boxing News: Francis Ngannou Opens as Big Betting Underdog in Anthony Joshua Fight

Francis Ngannou will have to defy the odds again.

Francis Ngannou defied all odds in his Riyadh clash with Tyson Fury in October 2023. "The Predator" was very nearly the first man to dethrone "The Gypsy King" and his stock soared high as a result.

Tyson Fury Overcomes Knockdown to Defeat Francis Ngannou in Competitive Fight

Ngannou now takes on former unified champion Anthony Joshua, again in Riyadh, and the oddsmakers have it a lot closer than the French-Cameroonian's last bout. Ngannou opened as a +1100 underdog to win his fight with Fury, and is now a +215 dog against "AJ".

Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua Opening Odds

(per BetOnline, subject to change)

• Anthony Joshua: -275 Favorite
• Francis Ngannou: +215 Underdog

The lines have since adjusted to make Joshua a sizeable favorite, sitting at -500. Ngannou's adjusted odds are +325, making him a considerable underdog.

Joshua last fought at "The Day of Reckoning" boxing event in Riyadh on December 23, 2023. It was a relatively easy affair for the Brit, who demolished Otto Wallin in less than six rounds. Wallin grew to fame by giving Fury one of his tougher fights, almost securing a doctor's stoppage by cutting Fury above the brow.

Fury suffered a tremendous cut against Wallin :: Photo by Gene Blevins/Getty Images)

By running through Wallin, Joshua devalued one of the most arduous fights on Fury's resume. This gives Ngannou the opportunity to one-up Fury even more if he manages to beat Joshua; a rematch could even be in order.

If one thing is for certain, Ngannou continues to inspire awe with his continuous success, and it almost seems like a guarantee that he will stifle the oddsmakers once again with this fight.

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