ANTHONY JOSHUA faces Francis Ngannou in another blockbuster Saudi clash on Friday night.
The bout will be a ten-round boxing match, with the former two-time heavyweight champion and the ex-UFC champ colliding in what’s another big coup for Saudi dealmaker Turki Al-Sheikh.
AJ overcame tricky southpaw Otto Wallin on another blockbuster bill in the Middle East at the end of last year.
Before last month’s epic card, Joshua was expected to fight long-term rival Deontay Wilder after his meeting with the Swede.
But any hopes of a deal went up in smoke after the Bronze Bomber was on the end of a shock defeat to Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou raised many eyebrows in the world of boxing following his stunning debut against Tyson Fury in October 2023.
Many thought the UFC legend got the better of the Gypsy King on the night, dropping him in the third round before losing a split decision in controversial fashion.
When is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou?
- Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will take place on Friday, March 8.
- The big crossover clash will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- The ring-walks are expected to get going from around 11pm GMT.
What TV channel is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou on and can it be live streamed?
- Joshua vs Ngannou will be shown live on DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office.
- You can live stream all the action from the DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office websites as well as their apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
- The DAZN UK PPV price will be £19.99, which includes one month’s DAZN subscription.
- For existing DAZN subscribers, the PPV price will be £18.99.
Why is Joshua vs Ngannou on a Friday?
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will be underway on a Friday night, not the usual Saturday.
This is because of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix taking place that weekend at 5pm GMT on Saturday, March 9 over in Jeddah.
Joshua vs Ngannou full card
Among the fights taking place on the Joshua-Ngannou undercard is Zhilei Zhang’s huge fight with Joseph Parker.
Queensberry fighter Nick Ball will also challenge Mexican Rey Vargas for the world featherweight title.
- MAIN EVENT: Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou
- Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker for the Interim World Heavyweight Championship
- Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball for World Featherweight Championship
- Israil Madrimov vs Magomed Kurbanov
- Mark Chamberlin vs Gavin Gwynne
- Andrii Novytskyi vs Juan Torres
- Ziyad Almaayouf vs TBC
- Jack McGann vs TBC
- Justis Huni vs TBC
- Roman Fury vs TBC
What has been said?
Joshua has said: “He brings two arms, a body, but his mind is different to everyone else. In terms of his frame and make-up, I’ve seen people like him many times before.
“My main focus is Ngannou and getting through an intense training camp.
“I have got to take his mind and his spirit, it will be explosive. We can both trade and it will be a good fight.”
Ngannou said: “Of course I think I can beat him. I called for the fight. I am here to beat him and that’s why I came over here.
“I’ve been calling for these kind of fights for four years. I’m not here to show up, I am here to take over. It might sound crazy. It might sound irrational. But that’s what I am committed to and that is what I want.”
