Anthony Joshua next fight: All we know about AJ's next opponent former UFC champion and ex-Tyson Fury rival Francis Ngannou
17/01/2024 12:39
Anthony Joshua is starting to look back to his best and is eyeing some big fights in 2024 after dispatching Otto Wallin.
AJ turned in a top display to stop the Swede in Saudi Arabia just before Christmas to make it three wins from three since successive defeats against Oleksandr Usyk.
The plan was for Joshua to face Deontay Wilder should he beat Joseph Parker, but the American lost via unanimous decision to leave those plans in tatters.
But Joshua does have a fight coming up very soon.
AJ next fight: Is his next opponent confirmed?
Yes, Joshua’s next bout is confirmed.
The plan was for Joshua and Wilder to win their respective fights to set up a huge event in March 2024 between the two former world champions.
The deal between the two camps was all but agreed, but after Wilder’s defeat, those plans are ruined.
Instead, a date with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou has been agreed.
The giant Cameroonian has only fought one professional boxing match against Tyson Fury, where he knocked the undefeated heavyweight down before losing via split decision.
Ngannou was expected to be battered by Fury, but he stunned the world, and to many, won the fight.
And he will now face AJ in what should be an explosive clash.
AJ next fight: When will it happen?
Joshua will face Ngannou on Friday, March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The ten-round heavyweight fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena.
It was set to be on the Saturday, but because of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, it will be held the day before instead.
Timings for the event will be confirmed in due course, but the undercard action is expected to get going at 6pm, with the main event ringwalks around 10:30pm UK time.
AJ next fight: What’s been said?
AJ is rooting for Fury to beat Oleksandr Usyk so they can finally put on an all-British blockbuster for the fans.
“It’s going to be a good fight,” Joshua told Sky Sports on Monday.
“I think Usyk edges it. I’m not really bothered. I just want them both to be healthy and leave the ring. It’s a tough game. So that’s all I can ask for, that they leave the ring healthy.
“In terms of how it goes, it doesn’t affect my life, in a way. I’m not like one of those fans that starts crying because someone won or lost.
“It is what it is. Tomorrow comes around. Good luck to both of them.”
On who he’d rather face next, Joshua added: “Probably the opportunity to fight Tyson Fury.
"I think that’s a better fight for the fans and myself."
However, Simon Jordan isn’t too happy with Joshua’s decision to face Ngannou.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I have the same disdain for the fight.
"I understand the genesis for it. I understand the reasons why. This is what Saudi want. If Saudi is going to be the new financial capital of boxing, then this is what it looks like.
“They think that MMA fighters, that have had one fight [and] been ridiculously ranked as #10 in the WBC rankings, is now a viable way for boxing to generate interest.
"I think it's sad. I understand why Anthony Joshua is taking the fight. I understood why Tyson Fury took the fight. Because the economics are so significant that you take these fights.”
