The heavyweight boxing scene is set to witness a monumental clash as Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua gear up for their highly anticipated ‘Knockout Chaos’ fight on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The pre-fight build-up saw Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, casting doubt on Joshua’s ability to absorb punches.

Ngannou, who transitioned from the UFC to professional boxing, made a notable debut last October against WBC world champion Tyson Fury. Despite losing on a split decision, Ngannou showcased his power by knocking Fury down with a left hook. This performance has set the stage for his upcoming bout against Joshua, a two-time world champion from Britain. Witness the world boxing champions in action with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

During a press conference, Ngannou expressed skepticism about Joshua’s chin, a reference to Joshua’s perceived vulnerability to knockout punches. “I heard that he doesn’t have a chin,” Ngannou stated, indicating his eagerness to test this in their upcoming bout.

Anthony Joshua’s recent career trajectory adds intrigue to Ngannou’s comments. Having lost his titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and failing to reclaim them in a rematch, questions have been raised about Joshua’s current form and resilience.

The fight is scheduled just three weeks after another major heavyweight title bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title, also in Riyadh. This timing has sparked discussions about potential future matchups. Co-promoter Frank Warren hinted at the possibility of the winners of the February and March fights facing off later in the year, an idea that is generating excitement among boxing enthusiasts.

Adding to the event’s allure, the undercard will feature a bout between Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang and New Zealand’s Joseph Parker for the WBO interim title. This match follows Parker’s victory over former champion Deontay Wilder last month, making it a significant contest in its own right.

As the date approaches, the anticipation for this heavyweight showdown continues to build. Ngannou’s comments have added an extra layer of drama to the event, setting the stage for a potentially explosive encounter. With the potential implications for the heavyweight division’s future, the boxing world is eagerly awaiting what promises to be a memorable night in Riyadh. Get the latest updates from the world of boxing only on Nextbet Sports.