The former heavyweight opponent of both fighters says the rounds favor Fury and Joshua’s chance comes early

Francis Ngannou says Tyson Fury is taking control as the fight against Anthony Joshua gets longer, with Joshua’s best chance coming early. Sharing the ring with both, Ngannou split the fight into two clear paths based on duration.

“I think if it comes down to it, I will choose Fury,” Ngannou said Sky Sports Boxing. “If it’s like a knockout, I think Joshua has a chance early in the round, but as far as the fight goes, it will be much more in Fury’s favor.”

This is a balanced read from someone who has already tested both styles. Ngannou went the distance with Fury in a close fight that surprised much of boxing, and then faced Joshua in a separate fight that went the distance. This experience adds weight to his divided view of the matchup rather than a uncomplicated choice.

Ngannou also noted how long the fight had been hanging over the division.

“We have been waiting for this fight for almost 10 years,” he said.

The takeaway is uncomplicated and reasonable. Joshua’s path seems narrow and tied to early success, while Fury’s advantage grows as the fight goes deeper. This is a common view among heavyweights, but coming from someone who has seen both fighters up close is more convincing.

Olly Campbell is a boxing journalist covering this sport since 2014, providing reports from the ring and technical analyzes of the most significant fights. His work focuses on fighter tendencies, tactical adjustments and the details that shape high-level competition.

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Last update: 2026/05/05 at 2:29

Naoya Inoue defeated Junto Nakatani on Saturday, retaining his undisputed super bantamweight titles and reaffirming his place among boxing’s best, but in the eyes of Devin Haney, there is another fighter who deserves the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings.

On a technical matter Inoue fired the cleaner shots, securing a unanimous decision victory and handing Nakatani the first defeat of his career; this is the seventh consecutive defense of all four balls in the 122-pound class and undeniably the best victory of his career.

As a result, many fans now see Inoue as the fresh number one on the pound-for-pound chart, and former undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight ruler Oleksandr Usyk has consequently dropped to second place despite remarkable victories in both of those divisions.

Appearance on Inside The RingReigning WBO welterweight champion Haney disagreed with the decision, believing Inoue’s victory over Nakatani would not be enough to displace the Ukrainian.

“This [list] that’s some BS. I think so [that] Usyk [is still number one]”

“Think about it this way, Nakatani had a tough fight against the guy he fought last. [Sebastian] Hernandez… we don’t even know him.”

Reports now say that Inoue will compete in another major event this fall, his last as a super bantamweight, potentially facing unified super flyweight world champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who also ranks high in many pound-for-pound rankings.

Before a possible fight with Inoue takes place, Rodriguez will first move up to the bantamweight division to face WBA champion Antonio Vargas on June 13 in Glendale, Arizona.

Herrera (18-0, 16 KO) won the WBC interim lightweight title with an eighth-round knockout of Ricardo Núñez on January 10. This legal obligation complicates any immediate reunification plans Roach may have for the end of 2026.

Roach still prioritizes a fight with Shakur Stevenson, which will bring a high win, although this fight will no longer be a featherlight unification fight.

“Shakur Stevenson is one of the best fighters in the world. I would love to stand in the ring with Shakur. It would be one of the best fights in boxing,” Roach said. Fight.

Following his January victory over Lopez, Stevenson is the current WBO junior welterweight champion. A fight with Roach would require “The Reaper” to enhance weight or Stevenson give up his 140-pound titles.

Roach also identified WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason as a person of interest.

“I like all the champions at 135. I like Abdul Mason. He’s an amazing juvenile champion. I think he beats Joe Cordina and we’ll see how it works,” Roach said.

Mason (20-0) is currently preparing for his first title defense against former champion Joe Cordina on July 4 in Cleveland. This timeline further narrows the window for a potential reunion if Roach passes Zepeda.

Perhaps the most intriguing name on Roach’s list is Subriel Matias. While Roach noted that “Matias is a good fighter too,” the Puerto Rican is currently titleless. Matias suffered a major setback on January 10, 2026, when he was stopped in five rounds by Dalton Smith at the Barclays Center.

It’s worth noting that Roach didn’t mention current WBA 140-pound champion Gary Antuanne Russell. Russell successfully defended his title with a unanimous decision victory over Andy Hiraoka on February 21, representing a much more hazardous but title-laden path in the junior welterweight division.

Despite his upcoming fight with William Zepeda, who remains the statistical leader in punch count, Roach has made it clear that he expects to win the green and gold belt.

“This is not just a rumor. It has been officially ordered by the WBC and we will fight for the vacant title,” Roach said. I will emerge victorious. I’m just cheerful to be in the situation I’m in. I will be able to showcase my skills again and we will win, become champions and take us to where we need to be. One step closer to the changing of the guard.”

Roach hasn’t recorded a win since 2024, but his stock remains high after back-to-back majority draws against Gervonta Davis in March 2025 and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in December 2025.