Anthony Joshua will fight Francis Ngannou in a 10-round boxing match taking place in Riyadh this year, it has been confirmed.
The bout is likely to take place on March 8, although the exact date will be disclosed during a press conference scheduled for Jan. 15.
The confirmation of this matchup was made public by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, through Ariel Helwani’s social media announcement earlier on Saturday.
This spectacle will showcase two-time boxing world champion Joshua, facing off against the mixed martial arts star Francis Ngannou, who in October of last year, fought — and marginally lost to — Tyson Fury at the “Battle of the Baddest” in Riyadh.
Joshua may well face Filip Hrgovic next for the upcoming vacant IBF world championship. However, a fight against Ngannou presents significantly more promotional opportunities for both parties.
Both Joshua and Ngannou have huge fanbases, both deliver knockout finishes, and both have had great experiences in Riyadh in the past few months. Compellingly, both fighters are ranked within the WBC’s Top Ten rankings.
A Joshua vs. Ngannou showdown would be an easy sell for all boxing, and MMA, fans and the winner of the fight, with the whole world watching them, will make a strong case to take on the winner of Fury against Oleksandr Usyk.
