Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou: An unnecessary risk for AJ or an easy payday?

Saudi Arabia's influence in heavyweight boxing increased further on Friday night when Anthony Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, announced the two-time world champion will face Francis Ngannou in his next fight in Riyadh.

Joshua last month headlined his third event in Saudi Arabia where he eased to a technical stoppage win over Otto Wallin in arguably his finest performance in recent years.

On the same bill, former WBC heavyweight king Deontay Wilder was expected to clean out Joseph Parker, himself an ex-world champion, to set up a long-awaited bout with long-time rival Joshua. But a shock defeat, that saw Parker utterly dominate the American over 12 rounds, scuppered those plans.

Instead, Joshua will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou, who made his professional boxing debut in Saudi Arabia last October and almost shocked the world in a controversial loss to Tyson Fury.

"Tonight we confirm it’s a Done Deal! Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia," Hearn wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday. "Press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon!"

Tonight we confirm it’s a Done Deal! @anthonyjoshua v @francis_ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon! #JoshuaNgannou @Turki_alalshikh @MatchroomBoxing @Queensberry #RiyadhSeason