Francis Ngannou (right)(image credit Top Rank Boxing / Twitter)

By FCF Staff

After shocking many throughout the combat sports world in his October fight with Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou is returning to the boxing ring.

Since the former UFC heavyweight champ lost a narrow, split decision to the decorated boxer, Fury, there’s been extensive speculation as to what Ngannou would do next. More recently, MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani was the first to report that Ngannou will box Joshua on March 9th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The fight with Fury marked the first time Ngannou had professionally boxed, and was his first bout since January, 2022. Ngannou recorded a decision win over Ciyrl Gane to defend the UFC heavyweight title in that fight. But, ultimately exited the promotion after failing to come to terms on a new deal.

Joshua (27-3), meanwhile, recorded a fifth-round, stoppage win over Otto Wallin in December. The boxing star has won three straight, following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Uysk.