Anthony Joshua's fight with Francis Ngannou (right) was confirmed at a press conference in London on January 15. Photo: Getty Images/Mark Robinson
Anthony Joshua will continue his rehabilitation to become a world-class heavyweight when he faces Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight bout in Saudi Arabia on Friday 8 March 2024.
While there won't be any belts on the line, it would be another win for both men, as well as a chance for Joshua to maintain his momentum as he climbs off the metaphorical canvas after a pair of losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
< p>Joshua said he expects «explosive» fight when he meets Ngannou, who made his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October.
“He brings two arms, a body, but his mind is different from everyone else. Regarding his figure and makeup, I have seen people like him many times before,” Joshua said. “My main goal is Ngannou and going through intensive training camps. I have to take over his mind and spirit, it will be explosive. We can both bargain and it will be a good fight.”
Gareth A. Davis, meanwhile, writes that this fight is not a “gimmick.”
When will the Joshua vs. Ngannou fight take place?< p>The fight is scheduled for Friday, March 8.
Why is the fight being held on a Friday?
The fight will take place on a Friday rather than the usual Saturday night to avoid a clash with the Saudi Arabian Grand. Prize on March 9.
Where will the fight take place?
The fight will take place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, which is vying to become the world's new destination for premium sporting events. Joshua recently fought there, beating Otto Wallin.
How can I watch the fight in the UK?
TV details have not been released, but the fight is guaranteed to be a pay-per-view event, likely costing over £20.
Who's on the undercard?
Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker
Rey Vargas vs. Nick Ball
Mark Chamberlain vs. Gavin Gwynn
Justice Huni vs. TBC
Ziyad Almayouf vs. TBC
Roman Fury vs. TBC
Jack McGann vs. TBC
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Joshua called Ngannou a «gimmick» in the heavyweight division when the former UFC star fought world champion Fury back in October.
But now the British heavyweight did so by challenging Ngannou and declaring that he would “take his soul” in the ring during the battle in Riyadh.
Joshua is put in serious danger when two huge punchers collide at an event called «Knockout Chaos» as the two fighters go head to head in London to promote the event.
The march to the Middle East continues, with more number of connections and deeper investments. There is no «gimmick» to boxing's growing presence in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabian Minister Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Authority of Entertainment and Seasons in Riyadh, made his intention clear and signed Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang to the March card.
Rival British promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn will also take on the card later this year, bringing together five fighters from each of their stables to take on each other. Warren and Hearn shook hands on stage as the Saudi minister announced the deal — and there's more to come, not least Tyson Fury's undisputed heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh. Fury is already in Saudi Arabia for an eight-week camp, while Ngannou leaves for the Kingdom on Tuesday.
Promoter George Warren, son of Frank Warren, who works closely with Al-Sheikh, told Telegraph Sport: “I believe they are here for the long haul in the sport. It's getting bigger and bigger and investing in boxing is for the long term.”
His father, Frank, said boxing was “revolutionizing.” Boxing's penchant for politics and penchant for procrastination are turned on their heads with these fights that bring together the greatest fighters in their prime.
The next two months will bring two of the biggest events of the year in the heavyweight division, with Fury finishing his job against Usyk and two undefeated fighters sharing an era-defining and legacy-building moment in February. Joshua is putting his reputation on the line against the dangerous Ngannou, whose storyline from growing up poor and a teenage sand quarry digger to becoming an all-conquering cage fighter in Las Vegas is a Hollywood script in itself. Hence the likelihood that this will lead to the biggest and richest fight of all time in the UK: Fury vs Joshua. It could happen. He's getting closer.
Joshua, fresh from a brilliant performance against Otto Wallin in December and recently rejuvenated under young trainer Ben Davison, is now flying high. This showed in his no-nonsense demeanor on Ngannou's face, wearing a gold trench coat to complement the Brit's tracksuit.
Joshua celebrates his victory over Otto Wallin. Photo: Getty Images
Joshua is currently exuding confidence; physically and mentally. “You have to take someone's soul, you have to take their spirit. And I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Joshua said, adding that the competition is an “explosive” encounter.
It will be so. But as we saw with Ngannou when he defeated Fury in the third round of their fight in October, he is a fighter who can seize moments. Sitting backstage with Ngannou just before the press conference, the 6ft 6in, 20 stone fighter rubbed his hands together.
“I won a long time ago, considering what happened to me in life,” Ngannou smiled. “Did I destroy the heavyweight division against Tyson Fury? Watch me truly shock the world against Anthony Joshua. Shock the world. Bring change.”
Who can stand in front of Ngannou and doubt him and the unusual storyline that follows his life. Just like boxing itself at the moment. We bring change and a new dawn.
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