The boxing world is buzzing with excitement as Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight champion, is set to face Francis Ngannou, the former UFC champion, in Saudi Arabia on March 8. The fight will be the main event of a card that will also feature Joseph Parker vs. Zhilei Zhang in the undercard.
Joshua, who hails from Watford, England, had previously dismissed a fight with Ngannou, who is from Cameroon, as a “gimmick fight.” However, after Deontay Wilder’s loss to Parker on December 23, Joshua had to change his plans and accept the challenge from Ngannou, who impressed in his professional boxing debut in October, when he knocked down Tyson Fury before losing by a close decision.
Fury, who is the WBC champion and of Nigerian descent, will face Oleksandr Usyk, who is the WBA, WBO, and IBF champion and from Ukraine, on February 17 in Riyadh. The winner of that fight will become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
The Joshua vs. Ngannou fight will take place on a Friday to avoid clashing with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which will be held in Jeddah on Saturday, March 9. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in hosting major sporting events, despite criticism over its human rights record and environmental impact.
The fight is expected to be a thrilling spectacle, as both fighters are known for their power and athleticism. Joshua, who is 34 years old, has twice held world heavyweight titles, while Ngannou, who is 37 years old, has dominated the MMA scene with his knockout victories. Who will emerge victorious in this clash of titans? The boxing fans are eager to find out.