Anthony Joshua on March 8, will take on former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua hopes to capitalise on his brilliant fifth-round stoppage of Otto Wallin last month to continue his comeback.
Cameroonian-born Ngannou made his professional boxing debut in October, knocking down WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury before losing a tight decision.
The combatants will square off in a news conference later on Monday in London.
Both Joshua’s triumph over Wallin and Ngannou’s surprising performance against Fury took place in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, which is quickly becoming the go-to location for promoters looking for huge payouts for marquee fights.
Fury will also face Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh on February 17 in a battle that would give the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has poured billions of dollars on athletic events, such as the 2034 World Cup, the LIV Golf Circuit, a Formula One Grand Prix, and the Club World Cup of football.
However, the largest oil exporter in the world has come under fire from those who accuse it of “sportswashing,” or using athletics to boost its standing abroad following a wave of criticism over its record on environmental and human rights.
cc: Vanguard Ng
