It will be a showdown of African brothers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Nigeria’s Anthony Joshua and Cameroon’s Francis Ngannou are set to square up in the coming months.
UK boxing promoter, Queensberry Promotions confirmed the fight in an X post on Friday night.
According to the post, the fight date and kick-off press conference details will be released next week.
Confirmed: @anthonyjoshua vs @francis_ngannou is signed to take place during @RiyadhSeason! 🔥
Fight date and Kick-off press conference details to be released next week! #JoshuaNgannou@Turki_alalshikh | @MatchroomBoxing pic.twitter.com/o932Fyuxgd
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) January 5, 2024
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn also confirmed the deal.
“Tonight we confirm it’s a done deal! @anthonyjoshua v @francis_ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon!” he said.
Joshua confirmed his status as a world heavyweight contender with a dominant win over Otto Wallin in Riyadh on December 23, the same day that boxing neophyte Ngannou nearly pulled a major upset against WBC champion, Tyson Fury.
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, knocked down Fury but lost the bout by split decision.