Months after Francis Ngannou almost shocked the world against Tyson Fury, he’s ready to face another former world champion. Ariel Helwani was the first to confirm Ngannou will face Anthony Joshua in 2024 in Saudi Arabia.
The rumored fight date is Friday, March 8, the weekend Joshua and Deontay Wilder initially signed to fight one another. That ended up getting nixed after Wilder lost his fight against Joseph Parker. Given Joshua’s relationship with DAZN, the streaming giant is expected to broadcast the fight globally. Another collaboration between DAZN's partner and Joshua's promoter Matchroom and Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions means a likely pay-per-view slot on TNT Sports in the UK.
Joshua is a two-time unified heavyweight champion but hasn't held gold since Oleksandr Usyk beat him in 2021. On a three-fight win streak, with all three wins coming in 2023, Joshua fought on the same Day of Reckoning card as Wilder. He beat opponent Otto Wallin comprehensively, forcing a corner stoppage after five rounds. The Briton has shown a much more aggressive side to him recently.
Many expected Joshua to fight other contenders or wait for the winner of the undisputed title fight between Tyson Fury and Usyk. Instead, he's is ready to take on the MMA fighter.
MORE: Anthony Joshua saved heavyweight boxing in 2023
Ngannou is a former UFC heavyweight champion who started MMA in 2013. Joining the UFC in 2015, Ngannou went 12-2 for the promotion. "The Predator" won the UFC heavyweight title in 2021 and defended it in January 2022 against Ciryl Gane. After contract talks with the UFC went sour, he left the promotion and joined the PFL.
Making big moves in the new year ♟️
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) January 5, 2024
2024 is going to be 🔥🔥🔥
Before competing in the cage, Ngannou showed interest in fighting in the ring. He fought Tyson Fury in October. With many looking past him, Ngannou knocked the WBC heavyweight champion down, shocking the crowd and those watching at home. He lost via a split decision but earned a massive payday and respect from those in boxing.
The Sporting News will provide all the information you need regarding this fight, which will be updated when additional information is released.
When is Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou
The fight is rumored to take place on March 8. The Sporting News will provide additional information, such as times, when available.
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Friday, March 8 | TBA | TBA |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Friday, March 8 | TBA | TBA |
| UK and Ireland | Saturday, March 9 | TBA | TBA |
| Australia | Saturday, March 9 | TBA | TBA |
MORE: Fury vs. Usyk: History of boxing matches in Saudi Arabia
How to watch Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou
| Region | TV channel (TBA) | Live streaming (TBA) |
| USA | — | DAZN |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK and Ireland | DAZN 1 HD/ TNT Sports (PPV) | DAZN |
| Australia | — | DAZN |
The heavyweight fight is expected to be on DAZN, with the streaming giant and TNT Sports set to share the broadcast in the UK.
Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou price: How much will event cost?
- DAZN monthly subscription: $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $24.99 month-to-month in U.S. / $24.99 per month in Canada / £9.99 in the U.K. on a 12-month contract or £19.99 month-to-month / 13.99 AUD
- DAZN annual subscription: $224.99 in U.S., $199.99 in Canada, £99.99 in the UK.
- DAZN/TNT Sport PPV: The PPV price for the Day of Reckoning in the UK was £19.99
WATCH: Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, exclusively live on DAZN
Where is Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou?
The fight will be in Saudi Arabia in an arena TBD. It is expected to take place as one of the concluding evens of Riyadh Season. It will be a Friday night fight due to the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takin place over the subsequent weekend.
Betting odds for Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou
Odds are not yet available for this fight.
Anthony Joshua record and bio
- Nationality: British
- Born: October 15, 1989
- Height: 6-6
- Reach: 82 inches
- Total fights: 30
- Record: 27-3 with 24 wins via knockout
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Francis Ngannou record, bio
- Nationality: Cameroonian
- Born: September 6, 1986
- Height: 6-4
- Reach: 83 inches
- Total fights (Boxing): 1
- Total Fights (MMA): 20
- Record (MMA): 17-3 with 12 wins via knockout
- Record (Boxing): 0-1
Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou fight card
- Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou; Heavyweights (10)