Anthony Joshua will face Francis Ngannou on March 8 in Saudi Arabia; the fight takes place three weeks after Tyson Fury takes on Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed heavyweight title clash; promoter Frank Warren says the winners of the two bouts could face each other next
The winner of Anthony Joshua’s fight with Francis Ngannou could challenge the victor of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight title clash later this year, according to promoter Frank Warren.
Two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua on Monday had his bout with former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou confirmed for March 8 in Saudi Arabia, three weeks after WBO, IBF, and WBA belt-holder Usyk takes on WBC titlist Fury in Riyadh.
Most had expected that the undisputed clash would be followed by a rematch, but at Monday’s Joshua-Ngannou press conference in London, it was suggested the winners of the two fights could be matched next
Turki Alalshikh of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, who has brokered a series of high-profile fights in Riyadh, said: “You will see the result of this match will connect about the result of the 17 February – this is our idea.”
Warren then added: “For the winner, the big fight’s happening on February 17, with Tyson and Usyk.
“The winner of that – would we like to see them with the winner of this fight? Everybody in boxing would love to see that.