Former three-belt heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is making a comeback to the boxing ring this Friday, squaring off against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a headline-grabbing 10-round main event. The excitement unfolds at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the main event scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Ngannou sent shockwaves through the combat sports world last October when he made his professional boxing debut against WBC champion Tyson Fury, nearly clinching victory before suffering a contentious split-decision loss. Now, stepping into the ring with Joshua, the former UFC champ faces yet another top-tier opponent. Joshua, aiming for his fourth consecutive win after a setback against Oleksandr Usyk in August 2022 cost him the WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles, is ready to reclaim his dominance.
PPV Pricing
For those eager to catch the fight, the Joshua vs. Ngannou pay-per-view (PPV) is priced at $39.99 for DAZN subscribers. Don't have a subscription? No worries. You can gain access to the PPV livestream along with the first month of DAZN's streaming service for free. After the trial period, the subscription costs $29.99 per month. Alternatively, opt for an annual subscription and still enjoy the first month free, with a total cost of $219.89 per year under the 12-month contract ($19.99 per month thereafter).
If you're solely interested in the Joshua vs. Ngannou matchup and not keen on a DAZN subscription, you have the option to purchase the event outright for $69.99.
Betting Odds:
According to BetMGM, Joshua is the favorite at -400, with Ngannou as the underdog at +300.
Fight Trends:
Ngannou now commands more respect in the boxing realm compared to five months ago when he faced Fury. However, many believe Fury didn't bring his A-game to the bout against Ngannou, raising questions about his preparation. Despite claims of a full 12-week training camp, Fury's performance fell short of his past feats against formidable opponents like Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder. Consequently, doubts linger regarding his training regimen during camp.
Fury's lackluster timing and distance management against Ngannou, coupled with a limited offensive strategy, contrasted starkly with his previous displays of prowess. While Ngannou displayed commendable skill, it's important to temper expectations regarding his overall caliber. The Nigerian powerhouse remains relatively green in the sport, albeit possessing formidable power and resilience. Joshua's primary concern will be protecting his chin, as Ngannou's one-punch knockout capability poses a serious threat to his quest for victory in Riyadh.