The much-anticipated bout between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou is officially confirmed, set to unfold in Saudi Arabia later this year. A press conference scheduled for January 15 in London will unveil the exact date of this 10-round battle, as announced by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, part of Riyadh Season.
Originally, Joshua was set to face Deontay Wilder post his victory over Otto Wallin on December 23. However, this plan disintegrated when Wilder faced defeat against Joseph Parker, nullifying their proposed match.
The clash between Joshua and Ngannou emerged after the former UFC star entered the WBC’s top 10 heavyweight rankings following his debut in professional boxing. Ngannou’s bout against Tyson Fury in October garnered attention, where he impressively floored the WBC champion in the third round, although ultimately losing in a split decision.
Despite opinions suggesting Ngannou’s performance merited a win, Fury secured a victory, solidifying his title fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Nevertheless, Ngannou’s skill and credibility as a contender in the heavyweight category were widely acknowledged.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s recent win against Otto Wallin showcased his determination to regain supremacy in the heavyweight division. Demonstrating boxing finesse, Joshua dominated the match, prompting Wallin’s corner to halt the fight after five rounds.
The forthcoming clash between Joshua and Ngannou holds the promise of an electrifying face-off that has fans eagerly awaiting the details.
