Anthony Joshua is preparing to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a highly anticipated boxing match in Saudi Arabia. This follows Ngannou’s unexpected strong performance against Tyson Fury, nearly causing an upset which has heightened interest in his upcoming fight with Joshua. Despite Ngannou being relatively new to professional boxing, his solid technique and strategic approach were evident in his bout with Fury, where he managed a disputed split decision loss.

Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, brings to the table a wealth of experience in boxing. His team is focused on leveraging this experience and insight into Ngannou’s tactics to secure a win. This match is seen as crucial for Joshua, potentially setting the path for a future shot at the undisputed heavyweight title. Promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that victories for Joshua and Fury in their respective fights could lead to a blockbuster showdown between the two, although broadcaster DAZN has raised doubts about the feasibility of this happening in the near future.

Alternatively, a win for Joshua might line him up against Croatia’s IBF top-ranked fighter, Filip Hrgovic, for the vacant title, adding a layer of strategic importance to the Joshua-Ngannou fight. With the heavyweight boxing scene witnessing rapid changes, this match in Saudi Arabia is not only significant for Joshua and Ngannou but also for the broader boxing community, as it could influence the direction of heavyweight boxing and create opportunities for high-stakes matchups.