Nigerian boxing sensation Anthony Joshua is poised for an epic face-off with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Matchroom and Queensberry officially announced this on Friday night through their X account, with additional details to be disclosed in the coming week. The statement declared, “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.” A press conference is scheduled for January 15 in London.

Originally lined up for a bout against Deontay Wilder on March 9, Joshua has shifted his focus to Ngannou, who climbed into the WBC’s top 10 heavyweight rankings after his successful debut in boxing. This upcoming clash comes on the heels of Joshua’s commanding victory over Otto Wallin on December 23, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s status as a host for major heavyweight contests.