BY Jonathan Ledger
Anthony Joshua, two-time world heavyweight champion, is set to fight Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion, in a boxing match in Saudi Arabia.
The former heavyweight champion, who defeated Otto Wallin in December, will return to Riyadh to face Ngannou on a date which is yet to be revealed.
Joshua was touted to face ex-WBC champion Deontey Wilder if they had both won while fighting on the same card in Riyadh on December 23.
Wilder was, however, handed a stunning upset defeat by New Zealand’s Joseph Parker on the same night of Joshua’s victory, leaving a gap to be filled for an already booked fight.
Francis Ngannou was the heavyweight champion in UFC but has boxed only once professionally against Tyson Fury in October 2023
Ngannou, who was previously a mixed martial arts champion in UFC before switching to boxing, has now been tapped up for only his second boxing bout.
The Cameroonian impressively floored Tyson Fury, WBC heavyweight champion, twice in his first fight before losing to the Briton on points.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, revealed the upcoming matchup via his handle on X.
Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport, added that a press conference to discuss fight details will be held on January 15.
He wrote: “Tonight we confirm it’s a Done Deal! @anthonyjoshua v @francis_ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon!”
Joshua won all of his three fights in 2023. He has a 24-3 record, winning his last two matches by knockout.
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