Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Briton lighter than ex-UFC champion for Saudi bout

Ngannou, meanwhile, was a bit more boisterous.

"Sometimes it makes me laugh a little bit because I know OK, we are going to fight in boxing rules, but what happens if it was fight or MMA rules, I would smoke those guys," he said.

The jury is still undecided on Ngannou's boxing ability, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Friday's headliner.

He tore up the script four months ago, having done enough in just 10 rounds against Fury to convince Joshua and others that he is a legitimate boxer.

"There is no real expectation on Ngannou and that can make him a dangerous and a formidable opponent," British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley told BBC Sport.

"He was composed against Fury. He showed he could boss the fight at times, could put his punches together, and is obviously a very tough and durable man as well."

On the flip side, there are those who feel the boxing world is getting carried away.

"He has only had one fight. He did well but styles make fights and everyone, including Fury, underestimated him," Wallin, Joshua's last opponent, said.