In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou on Friday is not just another boxing-mixed martial arts crossover event. It holds significant stakes beyond just a title fight. Tyson Fury, the undisputed world heavyweight champion, has promised to give the winner of this showdown a shot at his title, provided Fury maintains his title after facing Oleksandr Usyk on May 18.
For Ngannou, a former UFC champion, this fight is an opportunity to showcase his skills as a boxer. In his pro boxing debut in October, Ngannou impressed with a remarkable performance, scoring the only knockdown against world champ Tyson Fury. Despite losing a controversial split decision, Ngannou remains determined to prove his capabilities in the boxing ring.
Joshua, on the other hand, sees this fight as a chance to continue his comeback journey. With three straight wins under his belt after back-to-back losses to Usyk, Joshua aims to reclaim the championship belts he lost in 2021. A loss to Ngannou would cast doubts on Joshua’s ability to reach the pinnacle of the boxing world once again.
The magnitude of this fight has attracted attention globally, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome. The fight card, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. ET with the main event around 5:50 p.m. ET, will be available for live streaming on DAZN for $39.99. The anticipation for this showdown extends beyond just the main event, with several notable undercard fights adding to the excitement of the evening.
In the lead-up to the fight, both fighters have expressed their readiness and determination to emerge victorious. Ngannou, still honing his skills and training diligently, remains focused on his goal. Joshua, eager for the challenge, looks forward to the occasion, knowing that the outcome of this fight could shape his legacy in the sport.
As the clock ticks closer to the main event, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the night unfolds. With contrasting styles, strengths, and motivations, the clash between Joshua and Ngannou promises to be a thrilling spectacle that could potentially reshape the landscape of heavyweight boxing. The stage is set, and all eyes are on Riyadh for what could be a defining moment in the careers of these two formidable fighters.