The Camerounian-born and Mix Martial Art (MMA) fighter turned boxer, Francis Ngannou will hit the gym soon in preparations ahead of his boxing bout to face the former World Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua later this year, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
This news was confirmed by Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter on his X account on Friday night, who wrote ”Tonight we confirm it’s a done deal! @anthonyjoshua v @francis_ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon!”
Ngannou, however, went against all odds and shocked the world by flooring the World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in his professional boxing debut to ended up losing on points via split decision last October.
Meanwhile, English manager and promoter Frank Warren also confirmed the fight on his X account, saying “Another historic night for @RiyadhSeason! Press conference and fight date news coming soon. Can’t wait for it all to get started!”
Fortunately, the 37-year-old is will now have a second chance to take on another British heavyweight in Joshua, whose career is currently undergoing rebirth after successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. The deal for the clash was signed by both parties for a ten-round bout which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
It has not been confirmed when the fight will happen, however, it is now speculated that March 9, when Joshua was supposed to take on Deontay Wilder, is the date being touted.