Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou officially confirmed for March 8 in Saudi Arabia as heavyweights face off for first time

15/01/2024 18:16

Anthony Joshua’s fight with Francis Ngannou has now been officially announced to take place on Friday, March 8.

It was revealed earlier this month that the former boxing heavyweight world champion and ex-UFC heavyweight world champion had signed to meet in a ten-round boxing bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, the date was confirmed as the pair met and faced off for the first time at their launch press conference.

Ngannou made his boxing debut when he fought Tyson Fury in October of last year – an event put together by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s GEA (General Entertainment Authority).

The MMA sensation shocked the world by flooring the WBC heavyweight world champion in round three, and only lost by a narrow split decision.

Prior to this, AJ had dismissed the possibility of a ‘gimmick’ fight with Ngannou and instead prioritised Deontay Wilder.

However, Ngannou’s performance against Fury in fact opened the door for Joshua to join the Saudi party.

The Gypsy King was forced to delay his planned undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk from December 23 to February 17 after being floored.

As a result, AJ and Wilder were contacted by the GEA and both signed to box on December 23, with the plan being for them to then meet in March.

Joshua beat Otto Wallin, but Wilder lost to Joseph Parker, scuppering these plans.

This led to AJ and Ngannou now signing to meet on March 8 instead.

On the undercard, Zhilei Zhang will face Joseph Parker in a huge heavyweight showdown for Zhang’s WBO ‘interim’ belt.

Also on the show, Rey Vargas will defend his WBC featherweight world title against Nick Ball and Mark Chamberlain will fight Gavin Gwynne.

Tyson Fury’s younger brother Roman Fury will have his fourth pro fight on the card.

And Justis Huni, Ziyad Almaayouf and Jack McGann will also feature.