Drake Takes Huge Risk With Bet On Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua Fight
Drake showed tremendous confidence in former UFC champion Francis Ngannou’s ability to beat former two-time world champion boxer Anthony Joshua. The OVO superstar placed a $615,000 bet on Ngannou in a boxing match against Joshua.
“Betting on a scary man @stake,” Drake wrote on Instagram.
Ngannou and Joshua will battle in Saudi Arabia on Friday (March 8). If Ngannou wins, Drake will receive an estimated payout of $1.9 million. Ngannou, who shocked fans in his first boxing match against Tyson Fury, is the underdog versus Joshua.
Last year, Ngannou fought Fury in a bout many observers wrote off as a novelty. Ngannou proved his doubters wrong by knocking down Fury in a highly competitive bout. Fury won via split decision, but a large contingent of fans and boxing mavens believed Ngannou was the rightful winner.
The Fury fight bolstered Ngannou’s reputation in boxing, resulting in the bout with Joshua. Ngannou will not benefit from the element of surprise in his second professional boxing match.
“We are not looking past this fight, the incentives and all that stuff, it is just about a win,” Joshua said ahead of the fight. “I’ve got to focus on my game plan and what I’ve got to do. His first dream was to be a boxer, which people forget. He had been doing it from a young age so I know what I am up against because I look at all these small details.”
Ngannou expected to win but downplayed the result’s impact on his future in boxing.
“This will be the best so far, but I am only just getting started,” he said. “I am really looking to get the victory on Friday night, but I don’t think this will be any statement on my career because the road is still long. The reason I am here is because I always believe in myself, I do my best, but I cannot control the outcome. I believe in my determination, my dedication and the work I put in in order to have what I want.”
Fans can stream the fight on DAZN. The PPV is available for $39.99.