Anthony Joshua will face Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight match at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This main event pits an experienced boxer against a newcomer in professional boxing.
Joshua has been boxing professionally since 2013 and boasts a record with most wins coming from knockouts, notably defeating Otto Wallin by retirement in his last fight in December 2023.
On the other hand, Ngannou, a newcomer to professional boxing with only one fight under his belt since turning pro in October 2023, faces a steep challenge.
His debut was a split-decision loss to Tyson Fury. Given Joshua's extensive experience and higher knockout rate, Ngannou's limited boxing experience could be a critical factor in how this match unfolds.
Joshua, a recognized boxer, aligns with coach Ben Davison for this fight. Their goal is straightforward: no underestimation of Ngannou. Davison comments,
"Not taking Francis Ngannou lightly,” highlight their respect for the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Ngannou enters this match against a backdrop of a split-decision defeat to Tyson Fury last October. Despite not securing a win, his performance caught many by surprise. Davison acknowledges this stating, “But Ngannou did shock me.” He adds, “That man's a dangerous man.” This indicates an awareness of Ngannou's potential threat in the ring.
This upcoming event follows Joshua’s last performance in December against Otto Wallin, held also in Saudi Arabia. That night saw Joshua emerge victorious, stopping Wallin impressively, marking his best showing in years.
On the technical aspects of preparation and outlook towards the match, Davison remarks reflect anticipation and caution. “It’s certainly a fight that’s going to live up to the billing,” he asserts. Such anticipation builds up expectations among fans for what is projected as an electrifying encounter.
The backstory involving Ngannou’s transition from MMA to facing boxers such as Tyson Fury casts a significant precursor to this event. With Ngannou's demonstrated tenacity and prowess against Fury, notwithstanding the loss, it shapes a nuanced narrative around his boxing capabilities.
This confrontation pulls together elements of cross-discipline competition, testing both athletes' adaptability and skills outside their immediate comfort zones—Joshua in traditional boxing versus Ngannou's broader fighting background.
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Undercard
- Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou
- Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker
- Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball
- Israil Madrimov vs Magomed Kurbanov
- Jack McGann vs Louis Greene
- Mark Chamberlain vs Gavin Gwynne
- Justis Huni vs Kevin Lerena
- Andrii Novytskyi vs Juan Torres
- Ziyad Almaayouf vs Christian Lopez Flores
- Roman Fury vs Martin Svarc
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Fight
- Division/Weight : heavyweight
- Anthony Joshua record : 27-3
- Francis Ngannou record : 0-1
- Belts at stake : N/A
Anthony Joshua is set to fight Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight bout with no titles or belts on the line.
Joshua, a pro since 2013, has an impressive record of 27 wins, 3 losses, and 24 KOs. He last defeated Otto Wallin in December 2023 by RTD, showcasing his power and skill. Considering Wallin's record and stats closely matching Ngannou's experience and size, Joshua's blend of experience and finishing ability positions him as a formidable opponent for Ngannou.
Ngannou, transitioning to boxing with a 0-1 record from his only fight in October 2023 against Tyson Fury, faces a steep challenge. Despite losing to Fury by split decision – showcasing his resilience against one of the premier heavyweights – Ngannou's limited boxing experience compared to Joshua's proven track record indicates he'll have a tough uphill battle in this matchup.
Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker Fight
- Division/Weight : heavyweight
- Zhilei Zhang record : 26-1
- Joseph Parker record : 34-3
- Belts at stake : WBO Interim World Heavy
Zhilei Zhang is set to face Joseph Parker for the WBO Interim World Heavy Title in the heavyweight division.
Zhang turned pro in 2014, boasting a record of 26 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 21 of those wins by knockout. His knockout rate stands at an impressive 80.77%. In his last bout, Zhang scored a win against Joe Joyce, who had a strong record himself. Considering Zhang's ability to secure a win against a high-caliber opponent like Joyce suggests he is well-prepared and poses a significant challenge for Parker given their similar weight class.
Parker has been fighting professionally since 2012 and brings to the ring a record of 34 wins, 3 losses, and no draws, with 23 victories coming from knockouts -- holding a knockout rate of 67.65%. His most recent fight was a unanimous decision win over Deontay Wilder, a formidable opponent with an exceptional track record.
This victory over Wilder emphasizes Parker's skill and resilience in the ring. Facing Zhang, who has faced similarly tough opponents recently, suggests an evenly matched fight which will undoubtedly test both fighters' strengths and strategies.
Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball
- Division/Weight : featherweight
- Rey Vargas record : 36-1-0
- Nick Ball record : 19-0
- Belts on the line :Â WBC World Featherweight
Rey Vargas is set to fight Nick Ball in a featherweight clash.
Rey Vargas turned professional in 2010 and has claimed titles such as WBC World Feather, boasting a 36-1 record. His last fight resulted in a loss by unanimous decision against O'Shaquie Foster, indicating potential challenges ahead when facing undefeated Ball.
Nick Ball, with no losses out of 19 fights, started his career in 2017. His recent victory over Isaac Dogboe by unanimous decision showcases his prowess and suggests an intense contest against Vargas, given his blend of aggression and precision in the featherweight division.
Israil Madrimov vs Magomed Kurbanov
- Division/Weight :Â super welterweight
- Israil Madrimov record : 9-0-1
- Magomed Kurbanov record : 25-0
- Belts on the line: WBA World Super Welterweight Title
Israil Madrimov goes head-to-head with Magomed Kurbanov in a highly-anticipated junior middleweight clash.
Madrimov turned professional in 2018, swiftly making a name for himself with an unbeaten record of 9 wins, no losses, and 1 draw. His victory over Raphael Igbokwe demonstrates his readiness to take on tougher competition like Kurbanov. Given the strength of his previous opponents and performance, Madrimov appears well-prepared.
Kurbanov, also maintaining an undefeated record with 25 wins since turning pro in 2015, recently secured a win against Michel Soro. His extensive experience and higher number of bouts suggest he might bring significant challenges to Madrimov in this matchup.
Mark Chamberlain vs Gavin Gwynne Fight
- Division/Weight : lightweight
- Mark Chamberlain record : 14-0
- Gavin Gwynne record : 17-2
- Belts at stake : N/A
Mark Chamberlain is set to fight Gavin Gwynne in a lightweight division match with no belts on the line.
Mark Chamberlain, stepping into professional boxing in 2018, has maintained an undefeated record of 14 wins with 10 knockouts. His latest victory came against Artjoms Ramlavs, who had a fight record of 16-3; this showcases Chamberlain's capability to handle experienced fighters, hinting at a promising performance against Gwynne.
Gavin Gwynne turned pro in 2016 and has since built up a record of 17 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw with 5 KO victories. His recent win over Emiliano Marsili, an experienced fighter with just one loss before facing Gwynne, underscores his ability to stand up to seasoned competitors. This sets the stage for an intriguing clash with Chamberlain.
Jack McGann vs Louis Greene Fight
- Division/Weight : super-welterweight
- Jack McGann record : 9-0
- Louis Greene record : 16-4
- Belts at stake : N/A
Jack McGann faces Louis Greene in a super-welterweight bout.
Jack McGann entered professional boxing in 2018, boasting an undefeated record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, with 6 wins via knockout. His recent victory over Alcibiade Duran, a fighter with a record of 12 wins and 4 losses, underscores his knockout power and potential. Given Duran's solid performance up to that point and the weight class alignment, McGann's chances against Greene appear strong.
Louis Greene turned professional in 2015 and has a fight record of 16 wins, 4 losses, with 10 knockouts. His last bout was a unanimous decision loss to Sam Gilley, who held a nearly impeccable record at the time. This context suggests that despite his most recent loss in the same super-welterweight division, Greene's experience against top-notch opponents could offer him the strategic acumen needed for this match against McGann.
Justis Huni vs Kevin Lerena Fight
- Division/Weight : heavyweight
- Justis Huni record : 8-0
- Kevin Lerena record : 30-2
- Belts at stake : N/A
Justis Huni is set to face Kevin Lerena in a heavyweight clash with no belts on the line.
Justis Huni, turning pro in 2020, holds an unbeaten record of 8 wins, with half of those coming by knockout, demonstrating power and skill early in his career. His last win against Kiki Toa Leutele, who had a strong record and knockout ratio, shows Huni's ability to handle power punchers, suggesting he'll be a formidable opponent for Lerena.
Kevin Lerena, with more experience since his pro debut in 2011, has an impressive record of 30 wins and only 2 losses. With 14 knockouts to his name, he possesses considerable power. Beating Ryad Merhy in his last fight, someone with a similar experience level and higher knockout percentage than Huni suggests Lerena can adapt well to different styles and might leverage his experience and southpaw stance to overcome Huni's less tested record.
Andrii Novytskyi vs Juan Torres Fight
- Division/Weight : heavyweight
- Andrii Novytskyi record : 9-0
- Juan Torres record : 11-5
- Belts at stake : N/A
Andrii Novytskyi fights Juan Torres in a heavyweight class with no belts on the line.
Andrii Novytskyi, turning pro in 2023, boasts an undefeated record of 9 wins, 8 by KO. His recent victory over Bobby O’Bannon, who had a higher experience level and a strong knockout rate, underlines his powerful punch. Facing Torres, who has more losses and less knockout power, suggests Novytskyi's chances are high for another win.
Juan Torres turned professional in 2018 and has a record of 11 wins, 5 losses, and 4 knockouts. His win against Darryl Clark shows resilience but comparing Clark's record to Novytskyi's streak of knockouts presents a tough challenge for Torres. Given the contrasting power and performance metrics, Torres faces an uphill battle in this match.
Ziyad Almaayouf vs Christian Lopez Flores Fight
- Division/Weight : super-lightweight
- Ziyad Almaayouf record : 4-0
- Christian Lopez Flores record : 14-35
- Belts at stake : N/A
Ziyad Almaayouf fights Christian Lopez Flores in a super-lightweight bout.
Ziyad Almaayouf, turned pro in 2022, boasts an unbeaten record of 4-0. His last victory came against Janos Penzes, who has a less favorable record. Given Almaayouf's clean streak and his KO ability, this fight could enhance his standing in the super-lightweight class.
Christian Lopez Flores brings more experience to the ring with a record of 14-35-2 since turning pro in 2014. Despite recent losses, including to Ahmed Hatim, Lopez Flores' extensive history and high KO rate suggest he could present a challenging fight for Almaayouf with his power and resilience.
Roman Fury vs Martin Svarc Fight
- Division/Weight : heavyweight
- Roman Fury record : 3-0
- Martin Svarc record : 2-0
- Belts at stake : N/A
Roman Fury faces Martin Svarc in a heavyweight bout.
Roman Fury turned pro in 2022, boasting a record of 3 wins with one knockout. His last fight was a points victory over Erik Nazaryan, an experienced fighter with 29 wins. Given Nazaryan's extensive background and Fury's victory, Roman appears well-prepared to take on Svarc, especially considering their similar weight class.
Martin Svarc started his professional career in 2023 and has a record of 2 wins, including one knockout. He last faced Evzen Velky, securing a split decision win against an opponent with a less impressive record. Despite the limited experience and the quality of his past opponents compared to Fury's recent challenger, Svarc's quick start in the heavyweight category shows promise for a competitive matchup.
What time is Anthony Joshua vs Francis fight
Live coverage for the Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball main card will start at 10:00 AM EST on . Refer to the table below to find your local time.
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (EST) | Friday, March 8, 2024 | 10:00 AM | 02:30 PM |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Friday, March 8, 2024 | 07:00 AM | 11:30 AM |
| UK and Ireland (GMT) | Friday, March 8, 2024 | 02:00 PM | 06:30 PM |
| Australia (AEDT) | Saturday, March 9, 2024 | 01:00 AM | 05:30 AM |
How and where to watch the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Fight
You can watch Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou via DAZN, Sky Sports, Sky GO.
| Region | Monthly Subscription | Annual Subscription | PPV Price |
| USA | $19,99 on a 12-month contract or $24,99 month-to-month | $224,99 | $40,0 |
| Canada | $24,99 per month | $199,99 | $39,99 |
| UK and Ireland | ÂŁ9,99 on a 12-month contract or ÂŁ19,99 month-to-month | ÂŁ99,99 | ÂŁ19,99 |
| Australia | 13,99 AUD | — | $37,99 |
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