Anthony Joshua is set to face former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) star Francis Ngannou in a 10-round match scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in March.
The pair will clash in what will only be Ngannou’s second professional bout.
He came close to stunning Tyson Fury last year, flooring the WBC champion before losing a marginal points decision.
Joshua had been provisionally scheduled to face Deontay Wilder following his win over Otto Wallin on December 23. However, that clash was scuppered by the American’s defeat to Joseph Parker.
On Friday night, MMA correspondent Ariel Helwani revealed the news on social media. In a video posted online, he said: “Massive breaking news from the world of combat sports,” he said. “I’ve had it confirmed that it is a done deal, it is going down, Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion is returning to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
“He is returning to action later this year to face the man who had an incredible 2023 in his own right. The man who just won on ‘day of reckoning’ on December 23, the only and only ‘AJ’, Anthony Joshua. It is a done deal.”
Helwani added that a press conference would take place in London later this month to confirm a date for the clash. Should Joshua, 34, prevail, he will be expected to then take on the victory of the Oleksandr Usyk v Fury unification bout, that also takes place in Saudi on February 17.
Eddie Hearn later added: “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!”
Peoplesmind
