Anthony Joshua is set to throw down with former UFC champ Francis Ngannou next monthCredit: REX

The pair will fight in a lucrative Saudi showdown on March 8Credit: GETTY

But Tyson Fury’s dad John doesn’t foresee the fight coming to fruition

Combat sports fans are expecting chaos following Ngannou’s shock display against Tyson Fury last October, in which he dropped The Gypsy King.

But Fury’s dad John doesn’t foresee the fight coming to fruition, telling GB News when asked about his son throwing down with AJ: “Well I think he’s gotta’ get past Francis Ngannou.

“If that fight takes place because I’m not sure it will.”

John believes Joshua is playing with fire facing Ngannou when a historic Battle of Britain with Tyson is once again within touching distance.

He said: “It’s a mad move. I know he’s getting well paid for it but there’s a bigger payday down the road with him and Tyson.

“When Tyson beats Usyk in a minute, that will have been the biggest fight of the century.”

Should the fight go ahead, John believes former UFC heavyweight champ Ngannou will give Joshua a real run for his money,

He said of the Cameroonian: “Ngannou is capable of knocking any heavyweight out in the world today, he’s shown against Tyson that he’s a danger for anybody.

“He surprised me about how well he could fight. He’s a tough guy, he’s a monster, he’s only got to connect and he’ll be right in AJ’s face.

“And he brings a whole new level of boxing to AJ’s game, Ngannou.”

Joshua, 34, knows full well what’s at stake in his Riyadh rumble with Ngannou and is refusing to underestimate him.

He said: “If Tyson underestimated Ngannou, I sure won’t. Francis has lost the element of surprise with me.

“We knew Francis had a reputation as the biggest puncher in the world but the surprise was how well he boxed.

“He was exceptional on the inside and made life very complicated for Tyson.

“So much so that I do belong to the opinion that he beat Fury.”

Anthony Joshua is refusing to underestimate Francis Ngannou after seeing him drop Tyson FuryCredit: GETTY