Anthony Joshua Coach: Francis Ngannou Stance Switch A Mistake | The MMA Hour

Ben Davison, a coach for Anthony Joshua, spoke about his initial reaction to the Ngannou vs. Joshua booking, researching Ngannou’s MMA fights in training camp, how Ngannou shocked him in the Tyson Fury fight, how he prepared Joshua for Otto Wallin, why he doesn’t like it when his team has rejuvenated Joshua, how he felt on fight night, why he felt Ngannou’s chin hadn’t been tested, Ngannou’s switch to southpaw, why he thinks fighters in MMA switch stances more easily, his reaction to Ngannou’s knockout, how Ngannou will fare in boxing moving forward, whether Ngannou’s loss should end crossover fights, whether he prefers Oleksandr Uysk or Fury for Joshua’s next fight, his pick for Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, and more.
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[@mandown2912]

Glad that Ben Davison is getting the recognition and limelight that he deserves! He has achieved a lot in very little time. Bright future ahead Benny!

[@KingRay224]

That’s Joshua effect. The guy’s a star

[@franktollady7694]

Ben doing his thing

[@franktollady7694]

Wen he brought fury back to the division Ben underrated made Lee wood a world champion aj looking on fire since link up but early days

[@WishMount]

very little time? Ben has been around for TIME

[@powpow9560]

Still hasn't trained a fighter from scratch

[@cgiles9086]

My favorite thing about AJ is he’s the 200 million dollar man and lives like a hungry Olympic or college athlete that hasn’t even gone pro yet and that he helps the youth from his neighborhood who want to box but don't have the resources. AJ is very cool.

[@moontestsunny790]

Yes, AJ is very Handsome

[@whatname4613]

​@@EverDayBest and what does a beta like u think?

[@HaachitiNgandu]

​@EverDayBest if AJ is a beta then I never want to be an alpha!

[@leeives9109]

@@EverDayBest I'm pretty sure AJ wouldn't be scared of you...what is bravery? Having fears and conquering them. You are simply a negative troll. How "alpha" of you. You believe your mindset and fearlessness greater than that of an Olympian Heavyweight champion. You sir, have won at life.

[@John3.16saves]

Could be living "comfort is the death of ambition" ethos

[@Jb21000]

Heavyweight boxing in this generation is nothing without Anthony Joshua. I’m happy he’s getting his confidence back and I hope the fans get to see him and fury fight

[@mrspecialk1234]

Yeah I think you’re right….they need to start promoting some of the next generation because there’s a lot of heavyweights in their twilight years ATM

[@Andrew-dw6ee]

facts.

[@0KiwiStyles0]

It was moving on fine when he was considered out, not saying he isn't valued but Parker has been putting in as much if not more work and really getting things moving. AJ is just in the spotlight.

[@mrspecialk1234]

@@0KiwiStyles0 Parker has been doing well, but he has been targeting the old men of the division….would be good to see him against a live dog his own age.

[@dust5717]

​@@0KiwiStyles0with aj its exciting. With parker i just look at him as a skilled boxer thats about it. AJ has a personality ill miss when he retires.

[@RonnieDeel-dq4bi]

He's a underrated coach that brings alot to the table to AJ

[@tosh8377]

I don’t think he’s underrated at all. He’s very well respected.

[@TheMan-WithNoName]

If Ben is underrated then I'm the pope.

[@bonduu01]

@@tosh8377 Didnt John Fury talk smack about Ben? about how Ben is bad for Tyson? he is sure underrated.

[@davidgibbs8280]

​@bonduu01 that's John fury so it doesn't count

[@supersardonic1179]

@@bonduu01Not really, John's a big mouth who talks smack about everyone. That loudmouth's opinion is not indicative of the general consensus.

[@albertbiachi3824]

I admire Ben for his humility and simplicity.

[@hodgie9881]

yh when the nganou ko happend ben just said to aj, parry left down hit with the right, get straight on him! and that was a wrap

[@alexreid4131]

@@hodgie9881big fan of Ben and the way he dissects fighters and comes up with strategies. Didn’t see AJ parry Ngannou’s left down before sticking the straight right on him though. Maybe Ben said that (as you stated) but I didn’t hear that. AJ certainly didn’t parry the left down first regardless. Didn’t need to! Kinda threw a nothing jab to the body first which had the desired effect.

[@hodgie9881]

Yh he sort of gestures it to aj before he said straight at him but yh Ben is great calm and affective

[@hodgie9881]

@@alexreid4131 have you seen the fight from a diffent angle put out by matchroom and frank warren on yt?

[@alexreid4131]

@@hodgie9881 you don’t gesture a parry friend. You either parry a punch or you don’t. What AJ did was kinda a feint to the body with the jab. I think we’re both referencing the same thing so I know what you’re referring to…but it’s not what’s known as a parry 👍

[@cdd89]

The landlord is BACK!!!

[@kristofrookx8452]

This man coached Josh Taylor, Billy Joe Saunders, Leigh woord, tyson fury in world title fights. (All victories)

[@joestr8848]

Devin haney as well

[@aaronking2369]

Works with haney as well

[@chrisharris7752]

Billy Joe lost to canelo

[@joeldoherty2166]

@@chrisharris7752I don’t think Ben cornered BJS for Canelo fight got a feeling it was Dominic ingle

[@dancostelloe4448]

@@joeldoherty2166 it was but it was Ben that BJS was listening too and Ben was the one that made the decision to pull him out

[@rubzzz0415]

Ben have so much wisdom beyond his age. So much respect. More knowledge and respect than Haney’s dad & Teofimo’s dad too

[@aaronking2369]

Just shows how over confidence Francis was imagine turning southpaw against a guy with one of the best straight right hands in the divison😂😂 guy thought he was terrence crawford😂

[@jak3brap10]

Definitely something his coaches shouldn’t have advised when his defence is wide open in that stance.

[@aaronking2369]

@@jak3brap10 I don't think his coaches would of told him to do that he would of lost regardless any way but going southpaw just made the fight end earlier because aj was just feeling him out first round and testing his speed and reactions

[@tailaniofficial]

He didn’t think he was anyone else other than himself who has turned southpaw continuously in his fighting career.

[@Krish_Mazal]

turning southpaw is the easiest way to beat aj but you need to keep cyrciling to the right

[@Eddybo22]

​@@Krish_Mazalif you said that before he fought Usyk sure. Now...HELL NO.

[@aseyeseait]

Ben is definitely one of the few trainers that does not make it about himself. I like that

[@HBFREEWORLD]

You are right and isn’t arrogant either .

[@retlawseel]

lol he's the opposite

[@NN-zf7np]

I like that he gave props to Ngannou and that he could be handful to a number of boxers. As long as he doesn't switch southpaw.

[@HBFREEWORLD]

You are right , doesn’t switch to southpaw and cocky, specially his coach .

[@NN-zf7np]

@KeepBritainClean True. His coach was super cocky. And some of that rubbed off on Ngannou. Interestingly Ngannou says despite training well, Ngannou said that when he woke up on fight day he felt, today wasn't going to be his day. Perhaps his inner consciousness couldn't be fooled by overconfidence. Ngannou is still a hero and a legend in my eyes, regardless of the devastating loss.

[@nickymarciano46]

Ben Davison, is a perfect role model for any coach! He’s humble, respectful and so professional. However, Ngannous coach was the total opposite. Ben Davison is a great coach but more importantly a great person 👏🏻

[@mrkyll100]

Ariel is an amazing interviewer, and Ben is about as honest and candid as any trainer in the business. This made for a great interview! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾

[@JSFBOXING]

Its about time ben davison got his props

[@HBFREEWORLD]

You are spot on 🎯 . Tyson Fury used him and then said goodbye.

[@danielhenstock5820]

💯 Jay 🥊🥊🥊

[@danielhenstock5820]

​@KeepBritainClean really hope that will come back to haunt the GK when AJ and Fury fight lol

[@richritchie5434]

This this guy Ben walking the gray line so gingerly and graceful.

[@VMBSSS]

Ben doesn’t want to give too much away of his in-depth studying of opponents so he’s only giving away basics. Shows how detailed him and his team works unlike most trainers

[@8ox1ngk1ng2]

Ben sound like a great guy. I’m happy AJ with Ben Davis 🎉

[@jamessadler6948]

Really like Ben seems so genuine

[@joescott5322]

Bens take on fighters leaving their coaches is really refreshing and spot on. They only get one career coaches will work with 100s of fighters

[@ameliathemonkey585]

What a guy he is. Instant fan. I knew of him but never really heard any interviews. What an outlook on all of it. This is a guy that truly gets it

[@LeePyke]

MMA: submits boxing tenant application The Landlord: DENIED

[@psychedelicchimps]

The media makes if MMA VS Boxing but it really isn't, boxing isn't even in the same league as MMA. UFC puts on events every week that are better than any boxing card of the last 20 years. Been waiting for Joshua Tyson for nearly 10 years lmao

[@fearassassin5207]

​@@psychedelicchimpsajs been pro 11 years we aint been waiting 10 years for fury v aj 🤦‍♂️🤣🤣 from about 2018 ish

[@psychedelicchimps]

Actually, it's well over a decade lol. I don't follow boxing I follow MMA, but I'm English, if your American that's probably why you're not aware. Seriously they have been going back and forth since well before either of them fought Klitschko lol @@fearassassin5207

[@psychedelicchimps]

It is nearly 10 years, I'm English so probably why you're not aware but it is since the Tyson Klitschko fight they've been going back and forth @@fearassassin5207

[@puebloking8280]

​@@psychedelicchimpsI would say the opposite really were boxing has had great fights every weekend for years MMA is putting low quality fights on ppv and the big fights are uncommon the past years

[@warrengomez67]

Ben Davis is an excellent trainer

[@g-man4297]

Don't know Ben Davis, But the guy that was on here Ben Davison is not bad either.

[@danielhenstock5820]

​@@g-man4297😂😂😂

[@cccf2010]

Great interview this, I like listening to Ben

[@polarit7628]

AJ has said this so many times.... he does what his trainers tell him. His entire career if you look back has been this. He's got all the attributes to dominate. But at points behind the scenes things haven't worked and it's gone wrong. If behind the scenes is right... we're seeing the results. But we've seen this with several boxers throughout the years..... In the HW.... Lewis and Klitschko recently. Fury used to joke he's a robot....... well a robot with the right programming his attributes are lethal. He's looking lethal.

[@bjohnson1933]

I love how much respect and admiration AJ and his camp have shown Francis

[@khimaros]

I’ve never been one for all the smack talking in combat sports and the build up to this fight was refreshingly respectful from everyone involved.

[@creativeartist83]

Love your boxing content 👌 looking forward to more 🙏

[@calvinpietersen]

Don’t like AJ waiting around again. He should be straight back in with Hrgovic.

[@g-man4297]

Calm down there's only 2 months till Fury/Usyk fight, only been 5 day's since AJ fought.

[@lolade_akinola]

Aj is the man​@@g-man4297

[@Eddybo22]

Remember as well it's based on Hrgovic. If he isn't fighting for the belt, he won't fight.

[@thomasyates616]

Aj fought 4 times in a year dude!😗

[@t.d6379]

​@@g-man4297 they will fight twice this yr

[@tequilapapi9615]

The most level headed guy in boxing. He deserves so much respect for his humility and professionalism.

[@audialiastt2601]

So much respect to this channel. Gets the big interviews.

[@Bevzthejcs]

I've followed Ben's career ever since he was working with Tyson, i've seen him break down multiple fights in detail and his boxing brain is incredible, so analytical and i've never seen him say anything that wasn't proved correct. I think he's a perfect for for AJ since AJ himself boxes like it's a chess match and if anything AJ's only real weakness is him overthinking things so having Ben in his corner (and trusting him) means he can let Ben do all the overthinking and just let his hands fly which is what we're seeing lately. A great partnership i think. Great interview.

[@leonardcharles59]

Just fight... Impose his size and physicality, skills and his brain. Fight like he refuses to be beaten!

[@javiervargas2336]

Ben is trainer of the year 🔒

[@powpow9560]

Really? You can't be serious lmao

[@RockyCloud-md2wk]

​@@powpow9560you're in illusion then 😂

[@freyna]

The moment I saw and heard Ben speak, you knew he brought something fresh. His boxing IQ is amazing. Looking forward to his continued success.

[@audialiastt2601]

Compelling interview. Questioning on point. Ben is an open book.

[@skip741x3]

some great technical questions bro, super interesting interview!

[@trobertson1092]

The more I listen to Ben the more I can understand why he has found success with boxers. He seems to very smoothly instil self confidence in their ability. Seems very humble too. Continued success Ben !

[@mattinterweb]

Just stumbled across this channel. As a boxing fan its really refreshing to hear good questioning as its normally inane. Good job!

[@deadkennedyrolls21]

Fantastic interview. Thank you for asking intelligent and considerate questions! Makes a change 😂

[@muhammedriaz4478]

Excellent interview

[@KeyserSoze23]

There's a reasons stance switching isn't common at all in Boxing. In MMA it makes sense to switch stances to deal with the take down threat and occasionally as a way to deal with kicks.

[@denniswild7318]

I wouldn’t say it’s uncommon (look at Terence Crawford). But I’ll admit it’s more common in MMA.

[@etegganyi7576]

​@denniswild7318 you named one fighter out of a 1000 that's the definition of uncommon lol

[@mercuriusmc213]

its definitely uncommon. theres a handful of fighters who switched stance, especially less who were as good in both.@@denniswild7318

[@denniswild7318]

@@etegganyi7576 sorry but that‘s the guy who first came to my mind. I can also remember Dillian Whyte doing that and getting knocked out by Fury. Like I said, it’s NOT as common as in MMA but you’d definitely see that in Boxing too.

[@etegganyi7576]

@denniswild7318 I think we are saying the same thing, They are very few notable/good switch hitters, Boots Ennis, Crawford, Sunny Edwards, some fighters can change their stance momentarily but ain't necessarily switch hitters, hence why it's uncommon or rare in boxing, doesn't mean it doesn't happen at all, its just extremely rare

[@mccorlyjon7593]

Quickly becoming a big fan of Ben Becoming one of the top boxing coaches

[@cusssystem8013]

Ariel love your interviews and your questioning . Well done my friend !

[@jizim8947]

Good on Ariel for getting this interview.

[@hair4alluk]

Impressive Interview - Thanks

[@bad_buzz]

Great interview thanks

[@HaachitiNgandu]

Ben Davison is an awesome coach! And he comes across as genuinely good man!

[@vasudevanjayasankar5991]

A really great interview. Mix of technicality and relationships in the boxing world. The only thing I don't understand is ,out of all the great details given by AJ Coach, why would you make the title of the video as "Francis Ngannou Stance switch a mistake" . When you see how great the coach was explaining in a very respectful and humble way, its a disrespect to AJ's coach that ,with this title, making people think in the first glance that he is talking about Francis's mistakes. I know its a CLICKBAIT! But Please do a good job in creating titles so that we think its respectful!

[@marklangley7135]

Great interview

[@leebillyc1677]

Ben is such a top guy and brilliant trainer. He comes across so well and the proof is in the pudding...he improves fighters!

[@mercuriusmc213]

Ben is well on his way to creating a legendary coaching career. He's done absolute miracle jobs. Completely transforming multiple amazing fighters, into legendary world champs. What a brilliant asset to any fighter.

[@charliehalemano2122]

Ben is underrated.

[@Thematrix075.]

what a shot ben davis getting AJ to put his shoulder into it and actually commit usyk would die from that shot

[@Nick-gd1co]

He would never catch Uysk with that shot

[@O.E_0630]

@@Nick-gd1colet’s put them again together and see what happen.

[@mrkyll100]

@@Nick-gd1coWe shall see

[@Nick-gd1co]

@@O.E_0630 eh, if Uysk gets passed Fury, once or even twice, he might as well retire, already 2-0 over AJ and Wilder is on the downslope so that fight won’t materialize, he’s getting older now

[@jm12green31]

They already fought dude

[@joemoses2907]

Great job 👏

[@patricknez7258]

Incredible coach, awesome mind, and consummate gentleman

[@oanakwenze]

Ben is a fighting genius. So cerebral about it!!!

[@andymeadows_coaching]

Finally getting the shine of a great trainer.

[@arohaodufu7998]

Very good interview! Respect

[@frankzappa951]

Classy brother and excellent trainer.

[@MM-ue9rl]

Always rated Ben, quality coach.

[@dudeotis]

Francis still has a few good years left in him at 37 , but he doesn't have ANY "start over " or "re group " years left in him

[@raymondsweeney5410]

Good to see Aj is back collecting his rent Again !💰💰

[@t.d6379]

Simply the best interviews

[@freddiefreeman4119]

Love the boxing content on this channel

[@simonbrandy9662]

Ariel's interview style reminds me so much of Louis Theroux. He has the same disarming quality that makes the interviewee so receptive to questions. Both these gentleman's careers are on the rise. Great to see. Ben Davison is a humble guy. There is no question he has been influential on the improvement in AJ. Respect to AJ also. He has found himself.

[@louiscatlift]

couldn't agree more. what a pair

[@cdwilson12]

Great coach

[@ryanfuzz488]

Always got love for Ben after what he done for fury! Mind body and soul 🫡

[@johno30197]

Tybura been evolving working on his body looking cut strong never stop coming forward tia tuivasa a pub brawler throwing hands hoping one land's battle vs loosa should be a banger but definitely not going the distance.

[@abcertweld]

Been saying this since the fight. That would be fine but Francis needs. Teddy Atlas or Freddie Roach as a trainer, because his corner was horrible. Francis's corner should have drilled in him to never go southpaw against AJ, because AJ had almost a year of training camps for going against southpaws. Plus they should have had Framcis just go at AJ "NOT" try to actually box against AJ. Soon as I seen Francis go southpaw and trying to actually box against AJ I new he would loose and that his corner was trash.

[@Eddybo22]

Basically he did to Joshua what Joshua tried to do with Usyk.

[@ArunaVidu]

What do you mean by "Just go at AJ" ? Meaning Francis should have went in like he did to Jairzinho Rozenstruik??

[@abcertweld]

@@ArunaVidu What I mean is apply pressure grapple get him on the ropes and corner. AJ tied Francis up because he knew about the power, and to take away Francis possibly for an uppercut. Francis corner obviously didn't go in with a good plan at all.

[@ArunaVidu]

@@abcertweld Ahh... Now I understand. thanks for the explanation. Yes that would have worked way more. Getting AJ tired and making him slow. I actually thought what if he had done, what he did to Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Unleash himself on AJ.

[@yeet5185]

@@ArunaViduHe would have got countered and knocked out earlier

[@joeypriestman6783]

Best thing Ben brought to AJ was helping him mentally believe in himself. Bens amazing with psychology and AJ now has that belief in his ability back. He’s throwing with spite and venom now, he used to be so cautious and seemingly without that honest belief in his qualities since being knocked about by Ruiz. Ben has rejuvenated AJ, this is a big new chapter for them both.😊

[@holmes1978]

Perfectly said

[@corymh9150]

Always been a huge Ben Davison fan. Never understood his detractors.

[@Dave062YT]

Ít's true that pressure makes diamonds.

[@ItsameAlex]

he brought aj from the depths of hell to the peaks of heaven. Legend.

[@willevalle9371]

Ben deserves more credit

[@Kayluv101]

Ariel wanted francis to win so he could take credit and say “I believed in him when no one else did”

[@GUNJASLINGER]

Mike needs to have a talk to ben for help training id love that for both

[@MrDioXIII]

Very MMA brained approach of just switching stance. Usually it works in MMA to confuse and take away weapons, but AJ is probably the one heavyweight you don't want to do that with. Been good at punching southpaws since the Olympics (vs Zhang) and he did spend 2 entire camps and 24 rounds with Usyk who is probably the best southpaw in the game right now.

[@audialiastt2601]

Ben, I woz really looking fwd to da Lee Wood fight @City ground. Such a shame.

[@akbarhuseynli5397]

Benn looks professional asf

[@audialiastt2601]

"Switching STANCE" is about kicking in MMA. In boxing it's bout angles.

[@MrAlan287]

The key to ben’s success is his lack of ego. He uses facts and footage to get through to his fighters. The minute the fighters he works with see results they believe in him. Leigh wood is the best example, AJ following suit. Some fighters can’t drop their own ego though so it won’t fit.

[@ZaydDepaor]

Sounds very meticulous, analytical and methodical...must give fighters' confidence in him.

[@frankharris8061]

I had a chip on my shoulder about Ben, mainly because Josh Taylor seemed to slip off when he left Shane McGuigan and went to Ben, and he never technically got Fury to the title (even though Tyson should have got the nod in the 1st Wilder fight) and Fury for a while looked to have improved massively with the influence of Sugar Hill. Having said that, when his style works for a fighter it REALLY works, we saw it with Leigh Wood, and we saw it in the Wallin fight. Ben deserves his plaudits. He clearly has a great boxing brain, and gets through to fighters when they’re a good fit. Fair play to the lad!

[@DC_92]

Best in the game

[@MainCardMinute]

AJ looked sharp in there

[@gabhandebrun1871]

Aj looked great in there nice n relaxed but switched on

[@roanallen1382]

Very classy guy

[@holmes1978]

Ben Davidson I agree

[@rickyeiles6618]

Totally agree with the comments what i have read. The talent has always been there with boxer and trainer. They gel or don't. This make up works. 🥊🥊🥊🥊. Third time. 👍

[@CultureBoxing]

Lee Wylie is the true mastermind behind AJs team

[@BullyBoxer]

Not true .

[@johnadams507]

The big difference between Boxing and MMA is exactly what Ben Spoke about. RESPECT!! When a boxer is KO'd the referee stops the fight and the opponent and corner men usually show respect and withhold their excitement if a fighter seems hurt. When an MMA fighter gets KO'd the opponent is then allowed to continue beating on the unconscious guy with flying hammer punches until the ref stops the fight. he will then jump onto the cage screaming and shouting for joy with his teammates with zero respect for the opponent that lays unconscious on the floor. this is why MMA will always be a brutal sport and second class to boxing.

[@jaffsingh7759]

AJ has made the best move he has ever him and Ben is unbelievable

[@osmanehtsham-wt4wc]

Plan if he goes southpaw: He keeps parrying with his right hand even when switching to southpaw (he doesn’t switch to left hand which he should). So when AJ feinted he parried with his lead (right) exposing his chin from a straight right down the pipe.

[@indejols7144]

Ben is a standup guy 👌

[@JacobeOfficial]

Say what you want about Ben but he's got Joshua moving better than any other coach. Turning into his shots etc! Looks dangerous!!

[@danieloconnor3461]

Bens turning out to be a great trainer,be good if he took Ngannou on,i think they would be a great match for boxing 🥊

[@jaffsingh7759]

Amazing training all day long

[@cantabrian1009]

Would love to see Francis continue if that's what he wants. Get in with a good stable, progress through the rankings, stay away from the top 15 for ~10 fights... that said, if he was offered the Wilder fight, I think he possess better boxing skills than him. Wouldn't want to see him suffer another KO but I think he could fold Wilder (on current form). I could see Turki making that fight. Side note, really enjoyed Ariel's roaming reporter vibe on the recent broadcast, he's knowledgeable and asks interesting questions - I hope he stays on with DAZN in the boxing space.

[@creativeartist83]

Ps I also agree AJ could beat Francis in MMA

[@alisarproductions]

Ariel you don't know how to score a fight if you think Francis beat Fury. He won three rounds maximum in that fight. If one of those got him an extra point for the KD where are you getting your math? And what other rounds could he have won? You got awe struck by a knockdown.

[@2b0lk8n]

probably the debated knockdown/trip in round 7

[@neilthompson5740]

Good interview

[@solowield5041]

I don't know much about boxing but i also thought it was so strange for him to switch stances. He was knocked down shortly after.