Boxing: Joshua to battle Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia

Two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a boxing match in Saudi Arabia, organisers said.

Joshua had announced plans to face ex-WBC champion Deontay Wilder if they had both won while fighting on the same card in Riyadh on December 23rd.

However, Wilder was handed a stunning upset defeat by New Zealand’s Joseph Parker last month, before Joshua clinched a knockout win over Otto Wallin later that night.

Anothony Joshua after fight with Otto Wallin.

“Tonight we confirm it’s a Done Deal,” Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn on Friday said in a post on social medial platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

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“Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon!”

Ngannou, who vacated his heavyweight belt after a contract dispute with UFC and exited as a free agent in January last year, made his pro boxing debut against Fury in October.

The Cameroonian-French fighter lost on a split decision in the non-title fight, but almost delivered an upset when he dropped Fury to the canvas with a left hook.

Following his loss to Fury, Ngannou was ranked number 10 in the heavyweight division by the World Boxing Council (WBC).