Francis Ngannou goes up against Anthony Joshua on Friday, March 8 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The pair squares off on the top of fight card tilled “Knockout Chaos”. The contest is scheduled for 10 rounds.
Ngannou (0-1) made his pro boxing debut last October against reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a non-title fight. In the third-round former UFC heavyweight champion of Cameroon dropped British star with a left hook. The latter got back to his feet and fought to victory by split decision.
In his next ring appearance against Joshua, the 37-year-old MMA fighter looks to take the win and finish the fight inside the distance.
“People have always doubted me and I always proved them wrong,” Ngannou said. “It is clear I am a trouble for elite boxers and AJ should prepare himself for a battle because I am like nothing he has ever faced. It is going to be another spectacle for boxing fans in Riyadh, only this time I have no intention of leaving it in the hands of the judges.”
![Francis Ngannou at the conference ahead of his fight against Anthony Joshua](https://www.fightmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/francis-ngannou-press-conference.jpg)
![Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou at the launch press conference](https://www.fightmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/anthony-joshua-vs-francis-ngannou-handshake.jpg)
![Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou faceoff](https://www.fightmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/anthony-joshua-vs-francis-ngannou-faceoff.jpg)
Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) last fought in December, when he stopped Swedish contender Otto Wallin in five rounds. British 34-year-old former two-time unified WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion is riding a three-fight winning streak.
“I will be ready to go once the first bell rings,” Joshua said. “I will approach this mission with laser focus until the job is complete. I am looking forward to returning to Riyadh and I would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the passion they have shown to myself and the sport of boxing.”
![Anthony Joshua at the press conference](https://www.fightmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/anthony-joshua-mic.jpg)
![Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou at the launch press conference](https://www.fightmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/anthony-joshua-vs-francis-ngannou-pose.jpg)
At the launch press conference in London, Joshua and Ngannou went face to face for the first time.