Former UFC Champion Francis Ngannou to Face Anthony Joshua in Heavyweight Boxing Match
Ngannou Looks to Secure First Win in Second Attempt at Boxing
January 5, 2024
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is set to take on Anthony Joshua, the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion, in a highly anticipated 10-round bout. The fight is scheduled to take place on March 9 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The booking and date were confirmed by MMA Junkie, following an announcement from Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general authority for entertainment, through Ariel Helwani.
A news conference to promote the fight is scheduled for January 15 in London.
Ngannou, who left the UFC in early 2023 to pursue a career in boxing, has already proven his mettle in the ring. Despite doubts about his ability to secure a significant fight, Ngannou managed to secure a professional bout against Tyson Fury.
Although Ngannou lost the fight by split decision, his competitive effort and knockdown of Fury earned him praise and respect from the combat sports community. Many viewers even believed Ngannou should have been declared the winner.
Now, at the age of 37, Ngannou is determined to notch his first win against the formidable Joshua. Joshua, with a record of 27 wins and 3 losses, recently defeated Otto Wallin by fifth-round corner stoppage on December 23, extending his winning streak to three. Of Joshua’s 27 victories, an impressive 24 have come by knockout.
This upcoming match between Ngannou and Joshua promises to be a thrilling clash of heavyweight titans, with both fighters eager to prove their dominance in the ring.
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