John Fury explains why Francis Ngannou is a 'tall order' for Anthony Joshua

John Fury says Anthony Joshua cannot afford to look past Francis Ngannou.

Joshua and Ngannou will meet live on DAZN on March 8 in a fight that could define both fighters' immediate future. For Ngannou, a good showing against "AJ" would further solidify his status as a legitimate heavyweight boxer after an impressive debut in the sport last year against Fury's son, WBC world champion Tyson Fury.

For Joshua, anything other than a victory against the former UFC heavyweight champion would be seen as a setback after the Briton lost his unified world heavyweight championship to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 before falling in the rematch nearly a year later.

The 34-year-old Joshua has since won three straight fights and a victory over rising star Ngannou would put him one step closer to a title shot — Joshua even reportedly offered to step in for Tyson Fury in his May 18 undisputed title bout against Usyk if the WBC titleholder isn't able to fight on that date.

However, John Fury feels that Joshua shouldn't get ahead of himself with Ngannou still to come.

"He's got to get past Ngannou first which is a tall order," the elder Fury told Free Bets.

"He's a danger man, Ngannou. A big dude, fit, strong, and believes in himself. He is able, he's in your face, doesn't mind a tear-up. Joshua has to get past him before he even thinks about stepping in for anybody else.

"And he's lost to Usyk twice already and if you've lost twice, is there going to be that much interest in a third fight? It's only going to be the same thing: Usyk outpointing him."

Fury reassured that his son would fight Usyk after postponing their original fight due to a cut over his eye.

"People want to see Tyson vs Usyk and Tyson will not be pulling out," he said. "I'll tell you that now."

Live on DAZN: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20.  Click here for details.