High Stakes Showdown: Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Set for Epic Clash in Riyadh
In what promises to be a thrilling encounter, heavyweight boxers Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou are set to face off in a 10-round bout at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 23:00 GMT.
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Nigerian Time and Date
Saturday 12.00 am Nigerian time.
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, expressed confidence based on his notable performance in his pro boxing debut against Tyson Fury. Although Ngannou faced defeat in a split decision loss to the WBC world champion, he left a lasting impression by dropping Fury to the canvas with a powerful left hook.
Francis Ngannou Made More Money From 1st Boxing Match Than His Entire UFC Career
Ngannou, who boasts a 17-3 mixed martial arts record with 12 victories by knockout, sees the upcoming fight against Joshua as an opportunity to prove himself in the world of boxing. Despite being considered the underdog against two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua, Ngannou remains determined to make headlines in his transition from dominating the UFC scene to challenging the boxing elite.
Anthony Joshua defeats Otto Wallin via TKO at Day of Reckoning Card
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou : The pre-fight narrative largely revolves around a potential showdown between Joshua and Fury if both emerge victorious in their respective matches. Joshua, however, refuses to underestimate Ngannou, emphasizing the need for careful preparation and thorough analysis.
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou ReactionsÂ
Joshua commented, “I know what I am up against. I look at all of these small details. I spar, I do my film study, all that type of stuff.”
Ngannou, known for his rags-to-riches story, once toiled in a sand mine, scavenged for food to avoid starvation, and slept rough in a car park. Facing former two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua is just another chapter in his remarkable journey.
The 37-year-old fighter, born in Cameroon, faced numerous challenges on his path to becoming a professional boxer. His story includes walking six miles to school, shovelling sand for meagre income, and embarking on a perilous journey from Africa to Europe. Ngannou’s perseverance and dedication led him to a career in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and, in 2021, he became the UFC world heavyweight champion.
The upcoming bout in Riyadh holds significant implications for both fighters. Joshua, aiming for redemption after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, intends to showcase his skills and secure a statement victory. Ngannou, on the other hand, is eager to prove that he can knock out Joshua and make a lasting impact in the world of boxing.
Who will win?
As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated clash, fans await a showdown that promises excitement, skill, and the potential for a knockout that could reshape the heavyweight boxing landscape.
