Joshua faces Ngannou in Saudi March 8 [Video]

Image: Sky News

Mark your calendars for an epic showdown as former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua steps into the ring against former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on March 8.

Following his impressive fifth-round stoppage of Otto Wallin last month, Joshua aims to continue his comeback journey to reclaim the heavyweight throne.

Ngannou, born in Cameroon, made waves in his professional boxing debut in October, knocking down WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury before narrowly losing in a close decision. The upcoming clash promises to be a spectacle of power, skill, and determination.

The press conference, set to take place in London later on Monday, will provide a platform for the fighters to exchange words and build anticipation for this highly anticipated match.

Both Joshua and Ngannou have showcased their prowess in the Saudi capital Riyadh, solidifying the region as a favored destination for top-tier boxing events, attracting significant purses for major bouts.

In the broader landscape of heavyweight boxing, Saudi Arabia continues to be a focal point, with Tyson Fury also slated to face Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh on February 17. This fight holds the promise of crowning the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.

While Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports, hosting events such as the 2034 World Cup, the LIV Golf circuit, a Formula One Grand Prix, and the football Club World Cup, it has faced criticism for "sportswashing"—using sports to enhance its international image despite concerns about its human rights and environmental practices.

As the boxing world converges on Saudi Arabia for these high-stakes encounters, the debates surrounding the country's motives in the sports arena are likely to continue.

However, on Monday the press conference actually happened and the video is currently trending on social media. Watch below and see how it went down during the face-off.



Source: punch/AFP

#Anthony Joshua
#Francis Ngannou
#Saudi Arabia
#March 8