Anthony Joshua (left) and Francis Ngannou (right) announce upcoming fight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 8, 2023 – Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou face off.
At a press conference in London on Monday, January 15, the ‘Knockout Chaos’ event, headlined by former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua against former MMA star Francis Ngannou, was announced for Friday, March 8 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Arabia.
“I’ll be ready to go once the first bell rings,” said Joshua, a two-time former unified champion currently ranked No. 2 by The Ring at heavyweight. “I will approach this mission with laser focus until the job is complete. “I am looking forward to returning to Riyadh and would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the passion they have shown for me and the sport of boxing.”
Joshua completed a busy and successful year on December 23, 2023 when he defeated Otto Wallin in five rounds in a ‘Judgment Day’ main attraction in Riyadh, a fight that marked his return to the elite heavyweight rankings. .
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou entered the boxing world when he competed in the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ against WBC champion Tyson Fury, which opened the Riyadh season on October 28, 2023. The The fight came to life towards the end of the third round when Ngannou landed a left hook to the temple of Fury’s head and the champion was knocked to the canvas.
The fight earned Ngannou the respect of boxing fans around the world. Now, in what will be his second professional fight, Ngannou faces the other most popular heavyweight on the planet. In doing so, Ngannou pledged to continue silencing skeptics.
“People have always doubted me and I have always proven them wrong,” said the Cameroon-born wrestler. “It’s clear that I’m a problem for elite boxers and AJ should prepare for a battle because I’m like nothing he’s ever faced. It’s going to be another spectacle for boxing fans in Riyadh, only not this time.” I intend to leave it in the hands of the judges.”
The event will also feature a strong undercard as Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) takes on former world champion Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) of New Zealand. Zhang and Parker are currently ranked No. 3 and No. 4 by The Ring, respectively.
Rey Vargas (36-1, 22 KOs), current Mexican WBC featherweight champion, will make a first defense of his belt when he faces Nick Ball (19-0, 11 KOs).
Young lightweight contender Mark Chamberlain (14-0, 10 KOs) from England will compete for European champion, Welshman Gavin Gwynne (17-2-1, 5 KOs).
Also appearing in Riyadh will be Australian heavyweight contender Justis Huni (8-0, 4 KOs), who will look to make a name for himself in the flagship division against an opponent to be named later, as well as cruiserweight prospect Roman Fury (3- 0, 1 KO), junior middleweight contender Jack McGann (9-0-1, 6 KOs) and local Saudi Arabian junior welterweight Ziyad Almaayouf (4-0, 1 KO).
A press release from Matchroom was used in this article.
