As much as the fans are eagerly looking forward to the Tyson Fury–Oleksandr Usyk epic next month, another galactic clash may now join to pamper them. Per the reports that are flowing in, a fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou is all but set, to all intents and purposes.

Following the Fury-Usyk fight in February, the Joshua-Ngannou fight is expected to take place in March. Both fighters ride on the backs of a resurgent wave. ‘AJ,’ after the consecutive losses to Usyk, turned the tides last year. He defeated Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, and Otto Wallin to lodge a statement that he was all set for the big boys’ game. ‘The Predator’, on the other hand, after his release from the UFC, furthered his ambitions in boxing, securing a fight against Tyson Fury in October. No one expected him to topple the reigning heavyweight champion. But no one expected him to knock the latter down in the third round either and then take the fight the whole distance. Only to lose it by a split decision!

‘AJ’ to take on ‘The Predator!

Both 2023 MMA Journalist of the Year Award recipient Ariel Helwani and ESPN’s Mike Coppinger bore down on the update. Through his X/Twitter handle, Helwani said, “Massive breaking news… I’ve confirmed via Mr. Turki Alalshikh that it is a done deal; it’s going down. Francis Ngannou…is returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia…he is returning to action in a boxing match later on this year to go up against the former heavyweight champion….’AJ’ Anthony Joshua. It is a done deal on both ends.”

He further elaborated that an official announcement would soon follow. There will be a press conference in London later this month to officially announce the date.

Date, Venue, Rules, and More

The Anthony Joshua versus Francis Ngannou bout will be a ten-round fight. It will take place on March 9 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Apparently, both Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn and Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren seem to have confirmed the fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.

Some of the fans might remember, per earlier updates, that that was the date initially set for the Joshua-Wilder fight. Unfortunately, the American heavyweight’s dismal performance against Joseph Parker changed the equation. A fight between the two does not appear lucrative any longer.

Soon after the Fury-Ngannou fight, Hearn shared his views on the possibilities of the fight between the former UFC heavyweight champion and Anthony Joshua. It is the fiftieth year of the legendary ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Hence, there were even rumors of the fight taking place in Africa.

Return of the Former Champs

Francis Ngannou last fought and defeated Ciryl Gane on January 22, 2022. He vacated the championship as he left the UFC early last year. He joined the Professional Fighter League (PFL). However, the deal allows him to pursue his ambitions to make a name in the boxing world. His startling performance against Tyson Fury earned him a place in the top ten ranking heavyweight boxer’s list of the WBC. A win over Joshua might even see him go for a title challenge.

Anthony Joshua is now on the cusp of regaining his lost glory. Much hard work and grit saw him through 2023. It has positioned him for a title challenge, either through Filip Hrgovic or Zhilei Zhang. However, the Ngannou fight always remained a possibility. Now that the fight appears on the horizon, probably a bout against either Hrgovic or Zhang could follow during the latter part of the year.

Read More: “Anthony Joshua Called It a Gimmick”: Dana White Attacks Francis Ngannou and PFL as UFC President Dismisses Boxing Talks Surrounding the Ex Champ

What’s your take on the Joshua-Ngannou fight? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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