Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Confirmed: When and where? Everything you need to know

Francis Ngannou took the boxing world by storm when he locked horns with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in the boxing ring in Saudi Arabia. Now, the Cameroonian has set his sights on another big name in the realm of professional boxing.

Ngannou, who left the UFC after disagreements on his contract, signed with the PFL where the promotion allowed him the freedom to pursue his career outside Mixed Martial Arts. This landed the former US heavyweight champion a significant opportunity against Fury, during which he scored a knockdown but ultimately lost by split decision.

Anthony Joshua set to face Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia

Multiple sources reported that Francis Ngannou will take on former unified heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Award-winning MMA journalist Ariel Hewlani and Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie both reported the news on social media.

“Breaking: Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua is a done deal, per @Turki_alalshikh. Ten-round boxing match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,” tweeted Helwani confirming the deal and citing Turki AbdulMuhsen A. AlAlShikh, the Chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment as the source of the news.

Both Ngannou and Joshua have headlined PPV events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ngannou’s boxing match with Tyson Fury billed as the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ witnessed the attendance of global superstars from showbusiness and combat sports. Joshua headlined the recent PPV in Riyadh billed as ‘Day of Reckoning’ against Otto Walin.

With Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury fighting for the undisputed boxing titles on February 17, 2024, in the fight billed as ‘Ring of Fire’, the winner of Joshua vs Ngannou has a chance to fight for the undisputed titles in late 2024.

When is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou?

According to MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, sources indicate that the boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou is set to be the PPV headliner for an event scheduled for 10 rounds on March 9. This marks Ngannou’s second venture into boxing, while the Olympic Gold medalist Joshua is a former WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion.

The Saudi Government, having initiated the state-funded sports and entertainment festival, Riyadh Season, has been a host to some of the most significant boxing events in recent history. Riyadh Seasons typically spans from October to March. With the fight scheduled for March 9, it appears that the 2023-2024 Riyadh season began with a Ngannou headliner and is set to conclude with another Ngannou headlining event.

Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC for PFL was criticized by sections of the combat sports community. However, with the announcement of a second big fight in the professional boxing circuit, The Predator has shut up many mouths.

Do you think Francis Ngannou will defeat Anthony Joshua? Leave your prediction below!