The heavyweight division has started this year with a bang after the confirmation that Anthony Joshua will face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. 

Joshua ended 2023 with an impressive victory over Otto Wallin, but he came up against an opponent who could provide a stern test. 

Ngannou made his boxing bow against WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury last year, and shocked the world with what was a solid showing.

While Ngannou may have suffered a defeat via the judges' scorecards, he did manage to knock Fury to the canvas, and demonstrated that he could share the squared circle with one of heavyweight boxing's best competitors. 

Here's all you need to know ahead of Joshua vs. Ngannou.

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou

When is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou?
Date: Friday, March 8.
Time: At 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m.

 Timings for this event are yet to be confirmed but the undercard action is expected to start around 7pm UK time.The ring-walks for the main event can then be expected from 11pm.

What has been said?

Anthony Joshua said: "He brings two arms, a body, like every other fighter does. It's just his mind that's different to everyone.

"He's seen people like me, I've seen people like him many times before, but it's just his mind I have to conquer in the ring.

"You have to take someone's soul, you have to take their spirit and I'm looking forward to the challenge for sure.

"It's going to be good, it's going to be explosive."

Francis Ngannou said: "I'm going to fight him, so what do you think I'm going to do? I'm going to look for his chin.

"That's what happens in the fight. In the fight you try to hit somebody in the chin or wherever you can hit them.

"And then, yes, I heard that he doesn't have a chin. I don't know if it's true or not.

"We're going to find out. I hope I have the opportunity to test that out, that's my wish."

 

 

Would you like better boxing gloves? Check out our selection of boxing gloves from the Cobra line, which is composed of Carbon Leather for durability with IMF padding for the best protection.

TimeMin SEO