Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou - Date, Start time, Fight Card, Location

Anthony Joshua meets Francis Ngannou in the ring at Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This headline event pits the seasoned Joshua against UFC veteran Ngannou, now turning to boxing, in a heavyweight battle that's catching global attention.

Joshua turned pro in 2013 and boasts a robust record with wins mainly by knockouts, highlighting his punching power. His last victory was over Otto Wallin in December 2023.

Meanwhile, Ngannou, a newcomer to professional boxing with a fight against Tyson Fury under his belt from October 2023, brings unparalleled strength from the MMA world. Considering their backgrounds, Joshua's extensive experience in heavyweight boxing gives him an edge, but Ngannou's striking power remains a wildcard that could surprise many.

Initially, promoter Eddie Hearn viewed the matchup as an assured win for Joshua. However, perceptions have shifted dramatically following Ngannou's recent performance against Tyson Fury. Hearn admitted, "It's a scary guy, and it was a scary guy before he did that to Tyson Fury, but now we know he's for real." His statement marks a stark change from confidence to caution regarding Joshua's chances against Ngannou’s sheer power.

Hearn holds onto hope predicated on Joshua's superior boxing skills and speed. He expressed confidence by saying,

"AJ will be too fast, and hopefully, he'll be too good. But at any moment, he has the ability to turn your lights out." The primary concern is how Joshua will handle the first moment Ngannou unleashes his full power in the ring.

Promoter Frank Warren echoed similar sentiments highlighting the significance of resilience post-first punch—"It is [jeopardy] because they're both big punchers and whoever lands that first big shot, what's the mindset going to be for the guy that's on the other hand of it?" Warren’s focus rests upon how both fighters adjust after taking hits—a key determinant in predicting the fight's outcome.

Both promoters agree on one major point: this bout spells unpredictability with high stakes. Warren specifically anticipates that “the fight unlikely to go the distance” based primarily on how each boxer adapts after absorbing powerful blows.

Fans and analysts alike await with bated breath as two giants in their respective fields clash on an international stage. With concerns about outright power versus technical skillset laid bare by promoters Hearn and Warren, Friday promises not just a boxing match but a monumental test of strength versus strategy.

What time is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight

Live coverage for the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou main card will start at 10:00 AM EST on DAZN PPV card. 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	04:30 PM
USA and Canada (PT)	Friday, March 8, 2024	07:00 AM	01:30 PM
UK and Ireland (GMT)	Friday, March 8, 2024	02:00 PM	08:30 PM
Australia (AEDT)	Saturday, March 9, 2024	01:00 AM	07:30 AM

The heavyweight clash between Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua will take place in the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 08, 2024. As the bout headlines the evening, note that the exact starting time will depend on the fights preceding it. Generally, main events begin after undercard matches conclude. Keep an eye out for updates as the fight night progresses to catch all the action live.

Fighters Details

Anthony Joshua is set to fight Francis Ngannou in the heavyweight division.

Anthony Joshua Stats and Record

Nationality: United Kingdom
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 198cm
Reach: 208cm
Total Fights: 30
Record: 27 / 3 / 0

Joshua went pro in 2013 and boasts a record of 27 wins, 3 losses, with 24 knockouts. His last fight was a win against Otto Wallin, indicating solid experience and power. With most of his victories coming by knockout, Joshua's heavy-handed approach makes him a strong contender against Ngannou.

Francis Ngannou Stats and Record

Nationality: Cameroon
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 193cm
Total Fights: 1
Record: 0 / 1 / 0

Ngannou turned pro in 2023 and has a record of 0 wins, 1 loss. In his debut, he faced Tyson Fury, losing by split decision. Despite fewer fights, facing Fury suggests Ngannou can hold his own against top-tier opponents like Joshua.

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Betting Odds

Favorite: Anthony Joshua : 1.29 (-350)
Underdog: Francis Ngannou : 3.5 (+250)

Method of victory	Anthony Joshua	Francis Ngannou
By KO/TKO or disqualification	1.62 (-162)	4.33 (+333)
By decision or technical decision	4.33 (+333)	17.0 (+1600)
Draw or technical draw	21.0 (+2000)	21.0 (+2000)

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	£9,99 on a 12-month contract or £19,99 month-to-month	£99,99	£19,99
Australia	13,99 AUD	—	$37,99

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