Anthony Joshua vs Ngannou: Drake loses $615k bet

Popular rapper Drake, has lost a bet of $615,000 after Anthony Joshua’s knockout victory against Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Drake had publicly expressed confidence in Ngannou’s success, aiming for a $1.9 million payout.

Famously associated with the “Drake Curse,” fans believe his support brings misfortune to athletes and teams.

His most notable loss was a CA$833,333 (£533,000) when he had placed a net on Arsenal to defeat Leeds, and Barcelona to defeat Real Madrid in an el-clasico game.

In the past, Drake secured wins by betting on YouTube boxer Logan Paul and faced losses when supporting Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya.

Anthony Joshua however knocked out the Cameroonian kick boxer after two rounds.

Reacting after the fight, Ngannou said;  “That was a clean one, In fact, I didn’t feel the punch. That’s what the knockout is about. I don’t feel any pain.

“That’s how I know I was knocked out … It was quite special because it stopped me. It did what Tyson Fury couldn’t do. It wasn’t my day, and he’s just way better than me today. It sucks, but it’s the game, we all know that. It’s the game.”

Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua has hailed Ngannou as an African giant after their bout.

Respect my guy 🤝 African Giants 🌍 @francis_ngannou pic.twitter.com/PBIMf0q73l

— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) March 9, 2024

The British boxer thereafter revealed that he is now in line to face the winner of Fury against Oleksandr Usyk, who had defeated him twice before.

“If that was me [losing], you’d be saying, ‘Joshua should retire.’ I don’t know if I’m in my peak. I’m pushing day by day, who knows where it will take me? In five years, I won’t be fighting no more, this will be a distant memory.

“I just want to fight. Yes, [the winner of Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk].”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn echoed this challenge, saying: “You are looking at the baddest man on the planet. The No 1 heavyweight in the world.”