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.”
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.”
At the launch press conference in London, Joshua and Ngannou went face to face for the first time.