Anthony Joshua will continue his rehabilitation to become a world-class heavyweight force when he faces Francis Ngannou for a heavyweight bout in Saudi Arabia on Friday, March 8, 2024.
Although no belts are on the line, this would represent another payday for both men and a chance for Joshua to keep the momentum going as he climbs off the metaphorical canvas after a pair of defeats against Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua says he expects an “explosive” encounter when he faces Ngannou, who makes his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October.
“He brings two arms and a body, but his mind is different from everyone else. “I’ve seen people like her many times before, in terms of her frame and makeup,” Joshua said. “My main focus is Ngannou and going through an intense training camp. I have to get his mind and spirit, he will be explosive. We can both trade and it will be a good fight.”
Meanwhile, Gareth A Davies writes that this fight is ‘no gimmick’.
When is the Joshua-Ngannou match?
The match is planned to be held on Friday, March 8.
Why is the fight being held on Friday?
The fight will take place on Friday instead of the usual Saturday night to avoid a clash with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on March 9.
Where is the fight taking place?
The match will be played in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, which is taking a big step towards becoming the new destination of world sports events. Joshua recently fought there, defeating Otto Wallin.
How can I watch it in the UK?
Television details have not been revealed but the fight is guaranteed to be broadcast on pay-per-view and is likely to cost more than £20.
Who is in the undercard lineup?
Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker
Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball
Mark Chamberlain vs Gavin Gwynne
Justis Huni v TBC
Ziyad Almaayouf – TBC
Roman Fury – TBC
Jack McGann vs. TBC
Joshua vs Ngannou no cheat fight
Joshua called Ngannou a “cheat” in the heavyweight division when the former UFC star fought world champion Fury in October.
But now the British heavyweight faces the challenge of facing Ngannou and declared during the ruckus in Riyadh that he would “take your soul” in the ring.
When two giant punchers collide in an event tagged ‘Knockout Chaos’, there is more than a little danger for Joshua when the two fighters come face to face in London to announce the event.
The march towards the Middle East continues with more ties and deeper investments. There is no “gimmick” in boxing’s increased major fight presence in Saudi Arabia. Saudi minister Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment and Seasoning in Riyadh, signaled his intention and signed Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang on the March card.
Rival British promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn will also compete on a card later this year, pitting five fighters from each stable against each other. Warren and Hearn shook hands on stage as the Saudi Minister announced the deal; More will come; especially Tyson Fury’s undisputed heavyweight clash with Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh. Fury is already in Saudi Arabia for an eight-week camp and Ngannou departs for the Kingdom on Tuesday.
Promoter George Warren, son of Frank Warren, who worked closely with Al-Sheikh, told Telegraph Sport: “I believe they are here for the long term in the sport. “This is growing and the investment in boxing will be long-term.”
His father, Frank, said boxing was “revolutionary”. Bringing together the best fighters in their prime, these bouts reverse boxing’s tendency towards politics and procrastination.
The next two months bring two of the biggest heavyweight matchups of the year: Fury has his work cut out for him against Usyk, with the two undefeated fighters sharing a breakthrough, legacy-making moment in February. Joshua puts his reputation on the line against the dangerous Ngannou, whose story from growing up in poverty and digging a sand pit in his youth to becoming an all-conquering cage fighter in Las Vegas is a Hollywood scenario in itself. From here it could potentially lead to the biggest, richest British fight of all time: Fury versus Joshua. It could be. It’s getting closer.
Rejuvenated after his superb performance against Otto Wallin in December and rejuvenated under the management of young trainer Ben Davison, Joshua is currently flying high. This was evident from the serious look on Ngannou’s face, wearing a gold cape over the Briton’s tracksuit outfit.
Joshua is exuding confidence right now; physical and mental. “You have to take someone’s soul, you have to take their soul. “And I’m definitely looking forward to this fight,” Joshua said, adding that the contest was an “explosive” encounter.
It will definitely happen. But as we saw with Ngannou, who defeated Fury in the third round of their fight in October, he is a fighter capable of carpe diem moments. Sitting backstage with Ngannou just before the press conference, the 6ft 6in 20-stone warrior rubbed his hands together.
Ngannou smiled: “I won a long time ago with what happened to me in my life.” “Did I upset 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 extraordinary narrative arc that follows his life. Just like boxing itself right now. It brings change and a new dawn.