Former World Heavyweight Champ Anthony Joshua is throwing down against MMA’s own behemoth, Francis Ngannou. This brawl unfolds on Friday, 8 March at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Rewind to 23 December 2023, Joshua, who once lorded over the WBA, IBF, and WBO divisions, punched his ticket back to heavyweight glory by dusting Otto Wallin in five rounds at the ‘Day of Reckoning’ in Riyadh. A comeback? You bet.
Then there’s Ngannou. This former UFC Heavyweight champ swapped the cage for the ring and made some serious noise at the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ against Tyson Fury on 28 October 2023. Remember that left hook in round three that sent Fury to dreamland? That’s the stuff of legend.
Ngannou, in his boxing boots, has already charmed the global fight fans. Next up, he’s squaring up against the planet’s other heavyweight darling in his second pro boxing showdown.
H.E. Alalshikh says, “Knockout Chaos ain’t just any event; it’s a blockbuster, a gathering of international titans in Riyadh.”
“I’m all in once that bell rings,” declares Joshua, the two-time former unified World Champ. “My eyes are on the prize, and I can’t wait to hit Riyadh again. Hats off to Saudi Arabia for their love for boxing and me.”
Ngannou’s not just stepping into the ring; he’s stomping in to silence the skeptics. “Doubt me? I thrive on it,” says the Cameroon-born powerhouse. “I’m a nightmare for elite boxers, and Joshua better brace himself. This is more than a spectacle; it’s my statement. No judges needed this time.”
Frank Warren, boxing’s Hall of Famer, chimes in, “March 8th in Riyadh is gonna be huge, thanks to H.E. Turki Alalshikh and team. We’re breaking new ground for boxing, and Joshua vs. Ngannou is another heavyweight barn burner.”
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, adds, “This fight is gigantic. We’ve got two titans, Joshua and Ngannou, ready to explode. Riyadh’s in for a drama-filled night. Post-Wallin, Joshua faces MMA’s former top dog. Ngannou’s Fury fight was just a teaser. Expect fireworks.”
Marquel Martin, Ngannou’s manager, weighs in, “Francis has shown he’s the alpha. Joshua’s great, but on March 8th, he’s up against a real life warrior in Ngannou. Thanks to H.E. and KSA for this epic showdown.”
And the excitement doesn’t stop there. The event boasts an undercard that’s just as electrifying.
Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) defends his WBO Interim world championship against New Zealand’s former world champ Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KOs).
Mexico’s WBC World Champion Rey Vargas (36-1, 22 KOs) puts his title on the line against Liverpool’s featherweight sensation Nick Ball (19-0, 11 KOs).
The card also features a British clash at Lightweight, with Mark Chamberlain (14-0, 10 KOs) from England taking on Welsh European Champion Gavin Gwynne (17-2-1, 5 KOs).
Australian heavyweight hopeful Justis Huni (8-0, 4 KOs) is gearing up to stamp his authority in the division. Keep an eye out for his opponent’s details, coming soon. And there’s Roman Fury (3-0, 1 KO) in the Cruiserweight division, British Super-Welterweight Jack McGann (9-0-1, 6 KOs), and Saudi Arabia’s own Ziyad Almaayouf (4-0, 1 KO) lighting up the undercard.