The remarks Anthony Joshua made earlier regarding a fight against Francis Ngannou being a “gimmick” have not changed.

Although Joshua initially downplayed a possible matchup with Ngannou, the two-time heavyweight champion will now square off on March 8. The bout took place following Ngannou’s incredible boxing debut victory over Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder’s startling defeat of Joseph Parker, which ended his two-fight contract with Anthony Joshua.

Only a few weeks after defeating Jermaine Franklin in April of last year, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing Boss, disclosed the British fighter’s genuine feelings about the bout. “AJ and I talked about the fight. Though he’s currently very focused on his boxing career, he likes it and gets it.

Joshua gave an explanation of how his perspective on the fight shifted following Wilder’s defeat by Parker on the undercard of his victory over Otto Wallin via knockout. “I chose to stay in boxing that way. They had mentioned this battle earlier, and I had responded, “No, it’s a gimmick fight.” It’s not what I believe to be correct,” he remarked.

“Crossing over when I’m still trying to win the heavyweight title. This was their chance, especially after seeing what transpired in his last bout and the circumstances surrounding Deontay Wilder. I’m excited about the challenge because I’ve never turned one down. It’s the most difficult task I’ve ever faced.”