Anthony Joshua will face former UFC star Francis Ngannou in his next fight

Joshua hopes to fight for a world title later this year Photo: Getty Images/Richard Pelham

Anthony Joshua's next fight will be promoted by the British Against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou later this year, Britain's promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed on social media Friday night that the heavyweight “super league” continues to grow with support from Saudi Arabia.

< p>The battle will continue. scheduled to be held in the capital of Saudi Arabia as part of the season in Riyadh, the exact date will be announced on January 15 at a press conference in London. This is expected to happen in March.

“This evening we can confirm that the deal has been concluded. Press conference on January 15th, full details coming soon,” Hearn wrote.

British fighter Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, recorded an impressive five-dominant five-round victory over Swedish rival Otto Wallin on December 23, but has signed a contract to face his long-time rival, the former world champion. Deontay Wilder, the fight that's been talked about for five years.

However, this was derailed after the American lost to New Zealander Joseph Parker at the same tournament in Riyadh. Joshua will face Ngannou in a 10-round bout after the Cameroonian-born fighter shocked the world with an impressive performance against Tyson Fury in October, where he lost on points but knocked out the WBC champion in the third round.

Ngannou gave Fury problems when they met in October. Photo: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield

Ngannou, who can still return to mixed martial arts, now looks set to be a fixture in the fights in Saudi Arabia.

Fury will challenge for the undisputed heavyweight title February 17 against Oleksandr Usyk, also in Riyadh, and if Joshua beats Ngannou, it will happen. It is likely that he will fight for a world title again this summer, most likely against Filip Hrgovic, the IBF No. 1 sanctioner.

With the heavyweight division now on the move and fights being signed with alacrity, wins by Fury and Joshua earlier in the year raise the prospect of the two Brits fighting in the next twelve months. .