Anthony Joshua (left) and Francis Ngannou (proper) announce upcoming battle within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on eighth March 2023 – Photograph by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou face off.
In a press convention in London on Monday, Jan. 15, the ‘Knockout Chaos’ occasion, headlined by former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in opposition to former MMA star Francis Ngannou was introduced for Friday, March 8 on the Kingdom Enviornment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“I might be able to go as soon as the primary bell rings,” mentioned Joshua, a two-time former unified champion at present rated at No. 2 by The Ring at heavyweight. “ I’ll strategy this mission with laser focus till the job is full. I’m trying ahead to returning to Riyadh and I wish to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the fervour they’ve proven to myself and the game of boxing.”
Joshua accomplished a busy and profitable yr on December 23, 2023 when he defeated Otto Wallin in 5 rounds in a headline attraction on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ in Riyadh, a battle which marked his return to the elite finish of the heavyweight rankings.
Former UFC Heavyweight champion Ngannou entered the world of boxing when he competed within the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ in opposition to WBC titlist Tyson Fury, which opened Riyadh Season on October 28, 2023. The battle boomed into life in direction of the tip of the third spherical when Ngannou landed a left hook to the temple of Fury’s head and the champion was put to the canvas.
The battle received Ngannou the respect of boxing followers throughout the globe. Now, in what might be his second skilled battle, Ngannou takes on the opposite hottest heavyweight on the planet. In doing that, Ngannou pledged to proceed silencing the doubters.
“Folks have all the time doubted me and I all the time proved them improper,” mentioned the Cameroon-born fighter. ‘It’s clear I’m a hassle for elite boxers and AJ ought to put together himself for a battle as a result of I’m like nothing he has ever confronted. It’ll be one other spectacle for boxing followers in Riyadh, solely this time I’ve no intention of leaving it within the palms of the judges.”
The occasion can even function a strong undercard that includes Chinese language large Zhilei Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) taking over former world champion Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) from New Zealand. Zhang and Parker are at present rated No. 3 and 4 by The Ring, respectively.
Rey Vargas (36-1, 22 KOs), at present the WBC featherweight titlist from Mexico will make a primary protection of his belt when he takes on Nick Ball (19-0, 11 KOs).
Younger light-weight contender Mark Chamberlain (14-0, 10 KOs) from England will problem for the European Champion, Welshman Gavin Gwynne (17-2-1, 5 KOs).
Additionally showing in Riyadh might be australian heavyweight hopeful Justis Huni (8-0, 4 KOs), who might be seeking to make his identify within the flagship division in opposition to an opponent to be named later, plus cruiserweight prospect Roman Fury (3-0, 1 KO), junior middleweight contender Jack McGann (9-0-1, 6 KOs) and native Saudi Arabian junior welterweight Ziyad Almaayouf (4-0, 1 KO).
A press launch by Matchroom was used on this article.