Anthony Joshua has dismissed claims Francis Ngannou is a "gimmick" opponent ahead of their highly-anticipated fight in Saudi Arabia on Friday.

Two-time heavyweight champion Joshua, 34, also believes former UFC superstar Ngannou beat Tyson Fury in his debut boxing bout.

The Cameroonian, 37, knocked down Fury in the third round of last October's contest but was still on the receiving end of a controversial split-decision defeat.

Joshua told Sky Sports: "I was watching the Fury and Ngannou fight from home and from what I saw I thought he won.

"It's not a gimmick, it's not something that's benefiting the broadcasters, it's not just a fight for entertainment purposes.

"This is a serious fight with someone who is prepared and understands the dynamic of boxing.

"And he's putting up a good fight against the apparently generational great [Fury]. So, I look at it now as something completely different.

"To be classified as a world-class heavyweight I would say that you have to stay there for a period of time. But I think that he's an athlete with a lot of potential."

Joshua, who goes into the bout on the back of three consecutive wins, also believes Friday's fight is an evenly-matched one.

The Brit added: "It's a 50/50 fight. Anything can happen. Crazier things have happened before.

"It's a great opportunity for me to go back to work. If I didn't take this opportunity that's presented to me, when would I be fighting next?

"Call it whatever you want to call it, I'm just happy to be at work and doing my job and I can't wait for the next opportunity that presents itself."

Ahead of the bout in Riyadh, Joshua also announced he has extended his long-term partnership with Under Armour.

The Olympic gold medallist said: "Under Armour has been in my corner for over eight years now, going on an incredibly journey together as we constantly pushed to make me a better athlete.

"It feels great to confirm a renewed long-term partnership to go on the next part of my journey.

"They have always supported me to strive for more and have been my longest standing partner since I started out in boxing."