Anthony Joshua is gearing up for a unique challenge as he is scheduled to face Francis Ngannou in a ten-round crossover boxing match in Saudi Arabia later this year. Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed this much-anticipated bout, with a press conference planned for January 15th to officially announce the details. While the exact date remains uncertain, this contest is generating significant interest in the boxing world.
Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion and 2012 Olympic gold medalist, is taking on Ngannou, a figure more known in the MMA world than boxing. Ngannou has only one professional boxing fight to his name, raising questions about the fight’s nature – whether it will be an exhibition or a sanctioned event. Critics argue that sanctioning this match could devalue the sport, given Ngannou’s limited experience in professional boxing.
This fight follows Joshua’s recent victories, including a win over Otto Wallin in December. If this bout with Ngannou is not an exhibition, a loss for Joshua could potentially affect his chances of facing the winner of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight later in the year. Some believe it would be more sensible for the match with Ngannou to be an exhibition, maintaining the integrity of Joshua’s boxing record.
Francis Ngannou’s participation in this fight is also noteworthy, as he is coming off a loss to Tyson Fury and is not widely known among traditional boxing fans. His limited boxing skills and recent defeat have led to some skepticism about the fight’s competitive nature and its impact on the boxing landscape.
Despite the criticisms and doubts, the fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou is set to be a high-profile event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, attracting global attention. Whether as an exhibition or a sanctioned match, this crossover fight represents a unique spectacle in the world of combat sports, bringing together two formidable athletes from different fighting backgrounds.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing