Home/Boxing

via Reuters

via Reuters

For Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, the upcoming weekend entertainer is as crucial as it gets. For both fighters, this is not just their chance at a glamorous event, but their test to progress in the highly competitive heavyweight class. With so much at stake, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has left no stone unturned in stacking the best on the ‘Knockout Chaos’ card.

The fight, part of the ongoing Riyadh season, will take its course at the majestic Kingdom Arena in the city. Built within a record period of 180 days, the luxury stadium can host up to 30,000 people. As it fills to its brim for the grand clash between the Titans, there is a lot more that fans can anticipate apart from the main card.

Cast of the ‘Knockout Chaos’

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

AJ comes from a fantastic 2023 he had in the sport. He emerged victorious with extreme finesse against all the three opponents he went against last year. His Cameroonian-French opponent, Francis Ngannou on the other hand, despite being a newbie, has made space for himself in the boxing realm. He marginally lost to the WBC titlist, Tyson Fury, last year in his maiden boxing bout. This time around, for the clash of these elite fighters, a staggering undercard has been lined up, starting first with the co-main event.

  1. Chinese heavyweight, Zhilei Zhang, will defend his WBO interim heavyweight title against Kiwi, Joseph Parker (co-main event)
  2. WBC Featherweight titlist, Rey Vargas will defend his title against Nick Ball
  3. For the vacant WBA Super Welterweight belt, Israil Madrimov will fight Magomed Kurbanov,
  4. Lightweight, Mark Chamberlain will fight Gavin Gwynne
  5. Heavyweight Jutis Huni will fight Kevin Lerena
  6. Cruiserweight Louis Greene will take on Jack McGann
  7. Saudi Arabian Super lightweight Ziyad Almaayouf will fight Christian Lopez Flores
  8. Roman Fury will clash against cruiserweight, Martin Svarc, 
  9. And, Ukrainian heavyweight, Andrii Novytskyi will fight Texan, Juan Torres. 

While the fight will take its course in the heart of the Middle East, it will be streamed for fans all over the globe via PPV. 

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: What time will the event commence?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In Saudi Arabia, the fight location, the event is slated to start at 6 p.m. AST, with the main event ring walk scheduled to commence at about 2 am. However, in the US, where the audience will have to watch via DAZN, they will have to tune in at 10 a.m. ET, and for the main event at 6:00 p.m. Fans across the pond, in the UK can watch it both on Sky Sports and DAZN at 3 p.m. GMT, with the main event at around 11:00 p.m.

Read More: Anthony Joshua Is Risking It All Against Francis Ngannou, but There’s an Upside

How much to pay? Well, for Sky Sports PPV, fans will have to spend £19.95 (about $25.28). DAZN has priced its PPV at £19.99 (about $25.34), which includes a month’s membership with the streaming platform. However, existing subscribers will get a minimal discount, with their PPV set at £18.99 (about $24).

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Also Read: Common Sparring Partner Makes His Pick for Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou Clash

Which fight on the undercard are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments section below.