The year 2024 is off to a strong start. After his debut in English boxing, Francis Ngannou will quickly step back into the ring, and it will be against Anthony Joshua. While the fight has been in the works for a few weeks, the confirmation came this Friday with many more details.
The 10th-ranked heavyweight boxer in English boxing won’t stay on the sidelines for too long. After leaving the UFC in January 2023, Francis Ngannou entered a world where everything moves quickly. While expectations were for him to enter the cage (MMA) under the PFL banners, the Predator will likely have a second boxing match first. Following his impressive performance against WBC champion Tyson Fury on October 28, 2023, the native of Batié has become a sought-after figure in the world of boxing. This Friday, the renowned journalist Ariel Helwani exclusively revealed the next fight for the Cameroonian, and it will be against Anthony Joshua.
The fight announced by Eddie Hearn confirmed this Friday
A few days ago, the promoter of the former champion (WBA, WBO, IBF), Eddie Hearn, was talking about this fight. “We have a plan. They are all great heavyweights. Among them are Andy Ruiz, Frank Sanchez, and Joseph Parker. But the only thing AJ wants is to participate in massive duels, win the heavyweight world title, and perform against Tyson Fury or have another opportunity.” The famous figure in the boxing world at the helm of Matchroom also mentioned a fight against Francis Ngannou in March. Three days after his statement, Ariel Helwani confirms the fight.
Indeed, this Friday, the host of the MMA Hour show, well-known in the world of combat sports, confirms on his X account the heavyweight clash between Francis Ngannou and Anthony, citing Turki Alalshikh, who organizes major cultural and sporting events in Saudi Arabia. According to the information, the former UFC champion will have a tough challenge against the sturdy British boxer in a 10-round fight scheduled for March 9th in Saudi Arabia. The formal announcement of the duel should take place in the coming days during a press conference in England.
The incredible turnaround
After his 27th victory as a pro on December 23, Anthony Joshua, who had downplayed Francis Ngannou at the announcement of his fight against Tyson Fury, will have to face the Cameroonian. Who would have thought, a few weeks ago, that the Ngannou – Deontay Wilder clash was much more highlighted? But with the American’s defeat on the evening of December 23, things quickly changed, and today we have an intense showdown that will further enrich the Predator.
Recently, Eric Nicksick’s protégé expressed his desire to engage in only lucrative big fights, without the need for titles. “It’s not part of my goals; I think I’ve moved past the era of dreams, belts, and all that. I just want beautiful fights, to hit people, avoid getting hit, hit people, make some money, and go home,” he stated during the grand ceremony of the African Ballon d’Or held in Morocco.
Ngannou prevails again
After December 23, Ngannou called out Anthony Joshua for a fight and demonstrated a masterclass by knocking out Swedish boxer Otto Wallin. It was Joshua’s third victory last year (30 fights, 27 victories including 24 KOs and 3 defeats). For the PFL star, the new fight represents a significant test given AJ’s qualities and unwavering determination to restore the reputation of boxing after Tyson Fury’s humiliating performance on October 28.
2024 is off to a great start. Two significant boxing matches are already known, namely Oleksandr Usyk on February 17 and Anthony Joshua – Francis Ngannou on March 9 (to be officially confirmed).
Do you think the Cameroonian fighter can beat the former champion Anthony Joshua, who is on three consecutive victories? Your predictions already interest us.
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