Usyk's replacement has been found: Hearn announces a new "grand fight" in Saudi Arabia with Joshua and Ngannou

Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) will fight against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou (0-1, 0 KOs). The exact date of the fight will be confirmed in London in mid-January.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Joshua wanted to have a third fight with Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs).

"We can confirm that the deal has been signed. Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou will meet during the big night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A press conference will be held in London on January 15. Details will be announced shortly," Hearn said.

According to journalist Ariel Helwani, citing the head of the General Directorate of Entertainment in Saudi Arabia, Turki Al-Sheikh, the 10-round fight is expected to take place on March 8-9.

It is also reported that Zhilei Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) and Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) may appear on the undercard. In his last fight, Zhang knocked out British Joe Joyce (15-2, 14 KOs) in a rematch, and Wilder sensationally lost to Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) from New Zealand.

As reported, Joshua, who knocked out Robert Helenius (32-5, 21 KOs) in August, topped the top 10 best knockouts of 2023 according to Dazn. The Finnish boxer replaced Dillian Whyte, who failed a drug test a week before the fight.

Joshua defeated Sweden's Otto Wallin (26-1, 14 KOs in Riyadh on December 23. The 12-round fight at the Kingdom Arena ended after the 5th three minutes with a technical knockout.

We would like to remind you that on February 17, 2024, the battle for the absolute heavyweight championship between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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