Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou preview: AJ takes on former UFC champion in Saudi – UK start time, live stream, PPV

ANTHONY JOSHUA will take on Francis Ngannou in another huge Saudi clash later this year.

The bout will be a ten-round boxing match, with the former two-time heavyweight champion and the ex-UFC champ colliding in what’s another big coup for Saudi dealmaker Turki Al-Sheikh.

Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin last time outREUTERS

AJ recently overcame tricky southpaw Otto Wallin on another blockbuster bill in the Middle East at the end of last year.

Before last month’s epic card, Joshua was expected to fight long-term rival Deontay Wilder after his meeting with the Swede.

But any hopes of a deal went up in smoke after the Bronze Bomber was on the end of a shock defeat to Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia.

Ngannou raised many eyebrows in the world of boxing following his stunning debut against Tyson Fury in October 2023.

Many thought the UFC legend got the better of the Gypsy King on the night, dropping him in the third round before losing a split decision in controversial fashion.

When is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou?

• Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will take place on Friday, March 8, 2024.
• The crossover clash will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Expect the ring-walks to get going from around 11pm GMT.

What TV channel is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou on and can it be live streamed?

• Joshua vs Ngannou will likely be shown live on DAZN PPV and TNT Sports Box Office in the UK just like the Day of Reckoning card was in December.
• You can live stream all the action from the DAZN and TNT Sports Box Office apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
• A price for the PPV has yet to be confirmed.

Joshua vs Ngannou full card

Among the fights taking place on the Joshua-Ngannou undercard is Zhilei Zhang’s huge fight with Joseph Parker.

Queensberry fighter Nick Ball will also challenge Mexican Rey Vargas for the world featherweight title.

• MAIN EVENT: Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou
• Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker for the Interim World Heavyweight Championship
• Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball for World Featherweight Championship
• Mark Chamberlin vs Gavin Gwynne
• Ziyad Almaayouf vs TBC
• Jack McGann vs TBC
• Justis Huni vs TBC
• Roman Fury vs TBC

What has been said?

If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he’s standing up,” Ngannou said on The MMA Hour.

“I’ve heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I’m going to find out.

“That’s my wish, that’s what I’m wishing for.”

Meanwhile, Joshua says he’s going out there to make Ngannou look as ordinary as possible.

“Maybe make him look ordinary,” AJ said.

“When extraordinary people meet, they might just look ordinary.

“Of course, I think I can beat him. I called for the fight and I’m here really to beat him and that’s why I came over here. I’ve been calling for those fights for four years. I’m not here to show up, I’m here to take over.”