Former unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua is expected to face a former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia later this year.
This follows the confirmation of the planned fight by promotional teams Matchroom and Queensberry on Friday night.
Confirmed: @anthonyjoshua vs @francis_ngannou is signed to take place during @RiyadhSeason! 🔥
Fight date and Kick-off press conference details to be released next week! #JoshuaNgannou@Turki_alalshikh | @MatchroomBoxing pic.twitter.com/o932Fyuxgd
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) January 5, 2024
Confirmed: @anthonyjoshua vs @francis_ngannou is signed to take place during @RiyadhSeason 🔥
Fight date and Kick-off press conference details to be released next week! #JoshuaNgannou @Turki_alalshikh | @Queensberry pic.twitter.com/igCl6Jfq9Z
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) January 5, 2024
No date has been announced for the match but a press conference has been scheduled on January 15 to reveal more details, with reports suggesting that Joshua will face Ngannou on Friday March 8 in Riyadh.
Joshua was initially billed to fight Deontay Wilder but the American former heavyweight champion’s points loss to Joseph Parker in December ended hopes of him squaring up with the Brit who produced a ruthless fifth round stoppage of Otto Wallin in December, sealing his third straight victory last year.
Following that impressive victor over Wallin, Joshua declared, “I’m down to fight anyone. Whenever and whoever.”
On his part, Ngannou impressively knocked down Tyson Fury in his first professional boxing bout last October, but Fury emerged with a controversial points victory in Riyadh.
Ngannou was installed by the WBC in their top 10 of title contenders following his creditable defeat.
