Anthony Joshua has all-but confirmed the date for his bout with MMA star Francis Ngannou.
The deal between Joshua and Ngannou was announced last night by combat sports journalist Ariel Hewani, and was later confirmed by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua has also revealed the date of the bout this morning on X (formerly Twitter). “Ahh shit, here we go again.. 8/3/24.”
Ahh shit, here we go again.. 8/3/24 pic.twitter.com/qs5A7kdMPk
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) January 6, 2024
The Daily Star’s Chris McKenna revealed the same date on X late last night. He posted: “Joshua v Ngannou is set to be March 8, a Friday, to avoid a clash with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on the 9th.”
Joshua v Ngannou is set to be March 8, a Friday, to avoid a clash with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on the 9th
— Chris McKenna (@cmckennasport) January 6, 2024
Ngannou took on Tyson Fury to open the Riyadh Season last October. The Cameroonian superstar floored Fury in the third round on way to a split decision loss. Joshua comes off an impressive stoppage victory over Otto Wallin on December 23, retiring the Swede on his stool in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua had been signed to face American knockout artist Deontay Wilder, but Wilder lost on the same December 23 night to Joseph Parker via a comprehensive decision.
It had been widely reported that Joshua would face Filip Hrgovic in an IBF mandatory title fight or possibly a vacant title if and when the titles are vacated following the February 17 fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. However, it is the 0-1 (in boxing) former MMA champion Ngannou who has another crack at taking on one of the world’s elite heavyweight boxers.
