Despite losing his first professional boxing match, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou shocked everyone by surprising everyone. On March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ngannou, who defeated Tyson Fury on his way to losing a close split decision, will reenter the ring to challenge Anthony Joshua, another former world champion.


A fierce striker in mixed martial arts, Ngannou rose through the ranks to win the UFC championship before quitting the organization due to a disagreement over a contract that involved money issues as well as his desire to test his mettle in the boxing ring. Even in MMA, Ngannou was not the most technically proficient striker, therefore very few people thought he would have a chance against Fury in their October 2023 encounter.

Ngannou took advantage of a somewhat distracted Fury by demonstrating not only unexpected skill but also the patience of a seasoned fighter. Even though Fury, the heavyweight boxer who is widely regarded as the best in the world, did not win, Ngannou gave him one of the hardest fights of his career, and as a result, many called for Ngannou to get back in the ring.

Joshua, a two-time past unified champion, wants to profit by seizing the opportunity to capitalize on Ngannou’s growing popularity.

Joshua has defeated Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, Jermaine Franklin, and now Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion after suffering back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. The goal of that run was to challenge former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, but on the undercard of Joshua’s victory against Wallin, Wilder was defeated by Joseph Parker, making Ngannou the best high-rolling choice for Joshua.