H.H Turki Alalshikh confirms Joshua vs. Ngannou
Saudi Arabia is asserting its prominence in the boxing world by hosting yet another major fight. This time former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou takes on two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua.
H.H Turki Alalshikh confirmed Joshua vs. Ngannou bout set for March 9 in Riyadh, marking a significant event in the kingdom’s expanding role in international combat sports.
Ariel Helwani first broke the news, citing H.H Turki Alalshikh, Saudi adviser at the Royal Court under the rank of Minister and the current Chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment.
Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou, 37, is taking a significant step in his boxing career by facing Joshua. Despite a controversial split decision loss to Tyson Fury, Ngannou’s performance was widely praised. He showed his potential in the boxing ring, which brought us to this announcement. His switch from UFC to boxing was marked first by his signing with the Professional Fighters League. That shift allowed him to participate in high-profile boxing bouts
Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua, 34, comes into this fight with a record of 27-3, having recently defeated Otto Wallin by a fifth-round stoppage. This victory was part of a streak that has seen Joshua rebound impressively from back-to-back defeats to Usyk. Known for his knockout power, Joshua will be looking to extend his winning momentum against Ngannou.
The fight, scheduled for 10 rounds, is a symbolic representation of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the boxing world. With the kingdom hosting major fights involving top names like Fury, Usyk, and now Joshua and Ngannou, it is clear that Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in international boxing.
A press conference in London later this month will further promote the fight, underscoring the global interest in this matchup. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this encounter, which promises to be a significant moment in both fighters’ careers and a testament to Saudi Arabia’s rising status in the boxing arena.
Stay tuned on ArabsMMA.com to stay updated.
