SUMMARY
- According to numerous reports, Anthony Joshua will fight Francis Ngannou; the deal has been done, and all that's left is the final official announcement.
- Previously, Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin at the Day of Reckoning event in Saudi Arabia.
2024 has just begun and we already have some big fight news. In what is set to be one of the biggest fights of the year, Anthony Joshua will fight Francis Ngannou. According to numerous reports, the deal has been done and all that’s left is the final official announcement.
Previously, Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin at the ‘Day of Reckoning’ event in Saudi Arabia. Notably, the event was meant to set up a showdown between Joshua and Wilder in 2024. Unfortunately, Wilder was unable to hold up his end of the bargain, suffering a shock loss to Joseph Parker. Thus, Joshua and Eddie Hearn were left to look for another big-name opponent instead.
Breaking:
Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua is a done deal, per @Turki_alalshikh.
Ten-round boxing match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
More: pic.twitter.com/e6Hsc6Fh70
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 5, 2024
Among the candidates was former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Although Hearn previously stated that AJ’s next fight would be with Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World title, the plan has seemingly changed. Taking to X, an ecstatic Ariel Helwani broke the news that a fight between Joshua and Ngannou was a done deal, as per Turki Alalshikh.
Owing to the success of Ngannou’s fight against Tyson Fury, it is clear that the Saudis want the PFL man. Additionally, with Joshua being the next biggest name in heavyweight boxing, a fight is a win-win for all parties involved.
How much money will Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou make in their fight?
Naturally, with a fight of such high caliber and status, it is clear that the entire ordeal will be grand. All things considered, Saudi Arabia will look to make it worthwhile for all parties involved. With talks of a mega-money fight being touted, let’s take a look at how much money both fighters could possibly make.
Previously, ‘The Bronze Bomber‘ revealed that Anthony Joshua is set to make $50 million in his next two fights. As such, the payout for his fight against Wallin was expected to be £8 million or $10 million (approx.). Thus, the previously planned fight against Wilder would have fetched Joshua around £32 million or $40 million (approx.). With that said Joshua is projected to earn around the same for the upcoming fight against Ngannou.
Ahh shit, here we go again.. 8/3/24 pic.twitter.com/qs5A7kdMPk
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) January 6, 2024
Similarly, ‘The Predator‘ reportedly earned a career-high, guaranteed $10 million for his fight against Tyson Fury. Having put in a solid performance and made a case for himself as a big draw, it is likely that Ngannou will be treated even better this time around. Without a doubt, Joshua is still the A-side in this one, but Francis is certainly no slouch and has seen his stock rise massively.
Moreover, having changed the lives of his coaches, Ngannou would like to replicate the same again. Despite many saying that he ‘fumbled the bag’ the UFC offered, he has gone on to prove his haters wrong. All things considered, it is possible that Francis could potentially make around $20 million. However, as always, a more accurate figure for both fighters will only be available once the fight draws nearer.