After weeks of speculations, the a lot talked-about boxing combat is ready to occur as UK’s main boxing promoter Matchroom and Queensberry introduced that former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will combat Francis Ngannou, a former UFC champion on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After efficiently staging world-class bouts in December, Saudi Arabia will once more stage a significant heavyweight combat in March.
Joshua, 34, was set to face Deontay Wilder after beating Otto Wallin, however the 38-year-old American’s loss to New Zealander Joseph Parker stopped plans for the highly-anticipated big-money combat.
In response to Matchroom and Queensberry, a press convention has been scheduled on January 15 to disclose extra particulars, with studies suggesting that Joshua will get into the ring in opposition to Ngannou on Friday, March 8 in Riyadh.
“Confirmed: @anthonyjoshua vs @francis_ngannou is signed to happen throughout @RiyadhSeason!,” Queensberry Promotions @Queensberry stated on its X (previously Twitter) account.
“Combat date and Kick-off press convention particulars to be launched subsequent week! #JoshuaNgannou.”
Joshua stopped Otto Wallin within the fifth spherical stoppage in December, sealing his third straight victory final yr.
Talking after his bout in opposition to Wallin, Joshua declared: “I’m all the way down to combat anybody. Each time and whoever.”
Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion sensationally knocked down Tyson Fury in his first skilled boxing bout in October 2023 in Riyadh, however the three judges declared Fury the winner.
Ngannou held the UFC heavyweight title from 2021 till 2022, earlier than vacating the gold whereas leaving the UFC in 2023.
The 37-year-old Cameroonian signed with the Skilled Fighters League, a rival MMA promotion to the UFC, which has allowed him to field forward of his debut within the firm.
The WBC lately put in Ngannou of their high 10 of title contenders following his creditable defeat.
