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Expert prediction

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Mar 8)

  • Alex Dudley
  • Jan 11, 2024 at 2:57 AM EST

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • Anthony Joshua gearing up for title fight in late 2024
  • Francis Ngannou impressed on his boxing debut when pushing Tyson Fury

A huge night of boxing is set for Friday, March 8, as Anthony Joshua will return to the ring in Saudi Arabia. The former world champion will face the challenge of Francis Ngannou, who has already proven to be a tricky opponent in the ring for Tyson Fury over the last 12 months.


How To Watch

  • When: Friday, March 8, 2024
  • Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia  
  • How To Watch: DAZN

Odds

Fight ResultOdds
Anthony Joshua
Francis Ngannou

Fight Preview

A massive couple of weeks in the heavyweight division is set for Saudi Arabia across late February and early March, as some of the key contenders in the hunt for the world title are in action. Anthony Joshua reignited his title chances in Riyadh in late December after scoring a stunning stoppage victory against Swedish opponent Otto Wallin.

It was widely expected that AJ would fight against Deontay Wilder in early 2024, but the prospect of that dream bout crumbled after the American was shockingly beaten by Joseph Parker on the same card. Instead, AJ will now come up against former UFC star Francis Ngannou.

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Ngannou will likely prove a tricky opponent for Joshua in Saudi Arabia in early March after impressing on his professional debut against Tyson Fury. The fight was widely panned by many, with experts claiming that there was a clear gulf between the two opponents. However, Ngannou showcased his boxing ability in that fight, knocking down the reigning world champion in the third round.

Many believed that the former UFC star had done enough to win the fight, but the decision went the way of Fury on the scorecards. Still, Ngannou earned a lot of praise for his performance in the ring, and was awarded a ranking by the WBC.


Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Prediction

This will be a test for Joshua following his dominant win over Wallin in late December. However, we struggle to bet against the British fighter based on his previous performance, and he could score a famous stoppage over Ngannou in Saudi Arabia in March.

Free Pick:

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