Anthony Joshua set to fight Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia (1 Viewer)

[Kilkenny66]

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and ex-UFC fighter Francis Ngannou have reached an agreement to face each other in Saudi Arabia. Initially, on December 23, Joshua and Deontay Wilder were set to confirm a significant bout between them if they both emerged victorious in their respective matches on that night.

However, while Joshua successfully defeated Otto Wallin in five rounds, Wilder faced a comprehensive defeat by Joseph Parker. This outcome prompted Joshua's team at Matchroom Sport to reconsider their plans. Although a clash with Filip Hrgovic for the soon-to-be vacant IBF title seemed likely on March 9, the date initially reserved for the Wilder bout, a new development emerged.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1743399093861220390

Instead of facing Hrgovic, Joshua is now set to go up against Ngannou, who recently knocked down WBC champion Tyson Fury before narrowly losing on points. Similar to the bout with Fury, the upcoming fight will be a 10-round boxing match. The event is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, with detailed information set to be confirmed in the coming week.

This development marks another significant moment for the sport, as Saudi Arabia is also hosting the undisputed world heavyweight title fight between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on February 17.

Matchroom Sports is optimistic that Joshua will deliver a strong performance against Ngannou, aiming for a better outcome than Fury experienced after being dramatically floored by Ngannou in the third round of their bout, despite having other impactful moments. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, surprised the boxing world with his performance and, at 37 years old, will now have another opportunity to solidify his legacy.

 

[Jayman]

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and ex-UFC fighter Francis Ngannou have reached an agreement to face each other in Saudi Arabia. Initially, on December 23, Joshua and Deontay Wilder were set to confirm a significant bout between them if they both emerged victorious in their respective matches on that night.

However, while Joshua successfully defeated Otto Wallin in five rounds, Wilder faced a comprehensive defeat by Joseph Parker. This outcome prompted Joshua's team at Matchroom Sport to reconsider their plans. Although a clash with Filip Hrgovic for the soon-to-be vacant IBF title seemed likely on March 9, the date initially reserved for the Wilder bout, a new development emerged.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1743399093861220390

Instead of facing Hrgovic, Joshua is now set to go up against Ngannou, who recently knocked down WBC champion Tyson Fury before narrowly losing on points. Similar to the bout with Fury, the upcoming fight will be a 10-round boxing match. The event is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, with detailed information set to be confirmed in the coming week.

This development marks another significant moment for the sport, as Saudi Arabia is also hosting the undisputed world heavyweight title fight between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on February 17.

Matchroom Sports is optimistic that Joshua will deliver a strong performance against Ngannou, aiming for a better outcome than Fury experienced after being dramatically floored by Ngannou in the third round of their bout, despite having other impactful moments. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, surprised the boxing world with his performance and, at 37 years old, will now have another opportunity to solidify his legacy.

For Ngannou, the element of surprise won't be there again. Everyone saw what he did to Fury, so Joshua will be more careful.