Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou confirmed for rumble in Riyadh

Britain's Anthony Joshua celebrates after defeating Sweden's Otto Wallin during their heavyweight boxing match at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on December 23, 2023 (AFP)
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Updated 06 January 2024
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Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou confirmed for rumble in Riyadh

  • The fight is likely to take place in March, with the exact date to be confirmed in press conference on Jan.15

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.


Southampton’s stunning fightback leaves Leicester in turmoil

Updated 11 February 2026
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Southampton’s stunning fightback leaves Leicester in turmoil

LONDON: Southampton made an incredible late comeback from three goals down to beat crisis club Leicester 4-3 in the Championship on Tuesday.
Leicester interim manager Andy King looked set for his first victory since taking charge after first-half goals from Divine Mukasa, Patson Daka and Abdul Fatawu at the King Power Stadium.
But Southampton substitute Ross Stewart reduced the deficit in the 61st minute to spark the astonishing revival.
Leicester’s brittle confidence was exposed as Jack Stephens netted in the 82nd minute and Ryan Manning equalized five minutes later.
Shea Charles struck six minutes into stoppage time to snatch the points for Southampton in dramatic fashion, leaving King’s shell-shocked side without a win in six games.
Seven years after thrashing Southampton 9-0 at St. Mary’s, Leicester hit a devastating low of their own against the Saints.
Still searching for a permanent manager following Marti Cifuentes’ sacking, Leicester are outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
The Foxes were recently deducted six points by the Football League for breaches of financial regulations.
Birmingham missed the chance to move into the play-off places after they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Bromwich Albion at St. Andrew’s.
New West Brom boss Eric Ramsay remains winless but claimed a second successive draw to help his side move two points above the relegation zone.
Mohamed Toure hit a hat-trick as Norwich made it five wins from their last six matches with a 3-0 victory at second-bottom Oxford.