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 Zealandโs Joseph Parker last month, before Joshua clinched a knockout win over Otto Wallin later that night.
Anothony Joshua after fight with Otto Wallin.
โTonight we confirm itโs a Done Deal,โ Joshuaโs promoter Eddie Hearn on Friday said in a post on social medial platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
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โAnthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia โ press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon!โ
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).