British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua is set to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. Matchroom and Queensberry announced this on Friday, confirming the fight to be held in Riyadh in March.
The specific fight date will be confirmed next week, with a scheduled press conference on January 15 in London. The Daily Mail reported the initial plan for the Joshua vs Wilder bout in March, but it seems the clash between AJ and Ngannou will likely replace this proposed fight.
Anthony Joshua’s journey in the world of professional boxing has been nothing short of remarkable. Boasting an Olympic gold medal and multiple world championships, the British-Nigerian heavyweight has etched his name among the boxing greats. His disciplined approach, combined with explosive power, has made him a fan favorite and a global sporting icon.
On the other side of the ring stands Francis “The Predator” Ngannou, a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts. Known for his devastating knockout power and meteoric rise in the UFC, Ngannou is transitioning into the boxing realm to test his skills against a formidable opponent in Anthony Joshua. The clash of styles and disciplines is sure to make this bout a spectacle for fans of both sports.
The initial buzz surrounding a potential Joshua vs. Wilder bout stirred excitement among fans, but the sudden shift to a clash with Ngannou has injected an element of unpredictability and intrigue. Both Joshua and Ngannou bring their unique strengths and backgrounds to the ring, creating a matchup that transcends traditional boundaries and appeals to a diverse audience.
AJ expressed interest in fighting Ngannou after the former UFC star entered the WBC’s top 10 heavyweight rankings following his debut boxing match. Ngannou surprised many in his boxing debut against Tyson Fury last October.
While Joshua secured a dominant five-round win over Otto Wallin on December 23, hopes of a showdown with Deontay Wilder dwindled after Wilder’s loss to Joseph Parker on the same card. Joshua continues his pursuit to reclaim the top spot in the heavyweight division.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou knocked down Tyson Fury in his first professional boxing bout last October, although the latter still won a split decision and is now ranked in the WBC’s top 10 of heavyweight contenders.
Speaking after his impressive win against Wallin, Joshua declared, “I’m down to fight anyone. Whenever and whoever.
Saudi Arabia will again stage a major heavyweight fight, just weeks after Fury takes on Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed world title fight on February 17.
As the anticipation builds and the world awaits the official date, the announcement of Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou has undoubtedly set the stage for a monumental clash in Riyadh. This crossover bout transcends boundaries, bringing together the worlds of boxing and MMA in a way that captivates audiences worldwide. Fans, irrespective of their allegiance to a particular sport, are unified in their excitement for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown between two extraordinary athletes. The clash of titans is upon us, and the sporting world is ready to witness history unfold in the heart of Saudi Arabia.
