Boxing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting an epic showdown set to unfold in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, March 8. The spotlight falls on Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou as they gear up for a 10-round battle between two knockout giants.
For Joshua, the former heavyweight champion of Britain, this bout represents a crucial opportunity to reclaim the titles he lost to Oleksandr Usyk.
As the fight takes center stage in Saudi Arabia, known for its extravagant events, both fighters are poised to earn substantial paydays. Ngannou, who earned $10 million in his previous bout against Tyson Fury, is expected to see his purse double to a staggering $20 million, according to Forbes.
Meanwhile, Joshua stands to command an even larger sum, with Forbes estimating his earnings to potentially reach $50 million, excluding pay-per-view revenue and bonuses for victory or fight duration.
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Beyond the financial stakes, Joshua’s sights are set on a return to the world heavyweight championship arena, with plans to challenge the winner of Usyk vs Fury for the undisputed title. Fury currently holds the WBC belt, which he wrested from Deontay Wilder.
The highly anticipated showdown is scheduled to commence on March 8, with the event kicking off at 10:00 ET. The main event is slated to begin around 18:00 ET/15:00 PT, promising fans an evening packed with adrenaline-fueled action.
The Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia, boasting a seating capacity of over 26,000 spectators, will play host to the electrifying clash. It marks one of the highlights of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, moved forward to accommodate the start of Ramadan on Sunday.
In the USA, boxing enthusiasts can catch all the action exclusively on the DAZN network. The event is available for $69.99, or as part of a monthly subscription priced at $19.99 with a 12-month commitment, or $24.99 on a month-to-month basis.
This fight isn’t just about titles and purses; it’s a battle that transcends sports, captivating audiences worldwide and etching its place in boxing history.