Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to face MMA star-turned-boxer Francis Ngannou in a highly anticipated pay-per-view event on Saturday, March 9, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Joshua, with a record of 27 wins and 3 losses, 24 by knockout, enters the ring as the favorite against Ngannou, who holds a record of 0-1 in boxing after transitioning from MMA.
Ngannou gained recognition in the boxing world after his impressive performance against heavyweight title holder Tyson Fury, where he lost in a split decision. Despite being considered an underdog against Joshua, Ngannou's physical strength and boxing skills make him a legitimate threat in the ring.
On the other hand, Joshua is coming off strong performances, including a dominant victory over Otto Wallin in five rounds at the Kingdom Arena. With his new trainer Ben Davison, Joshua has shown significant improvement and looks to continue his winning streak.
The winner of this bout is expected to position themselves for a potential showdown with the winner of the upcoming Usyk-Fury matchup. Additionally, the undercard features an exciting heavyweight clash between Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker, both coming off impressive victories in their recent fights.
Overall, Joshua vs. Ngannou fight promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the talent and determination of two heavyweight contenders on the world stage.