Joshua vs. Ngannou winner to fight for undisputed heavyweight title next

If Francis Ngannou defeats Anthony Joshua on March eighth in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he’ll transfer on to face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title.

That’s based on His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, who’s the mastermind behind Riyadh Season and all of the insane boxing occasions being held at Kingdom Enviornment these days. During a press conference to advertise Ngannou vs. Joshua, Alalshikh additionally revealed the Undisputed Heavyweight belt that Fury (WBC champ) and Usyk (WBA, IBF, and WBO champ) can be combating for.

It’s not the prettiest belt we’ve ever seen, however the cash being paid to those that battle for it makes up for that.

That cash, and Saudi Arabia’s rising stranglehold on top-tier heavyweight boxing, is making a number of fights that when appeared not possible … doable! On the undercard of Joshua vs. Ngannou is Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker. Zhang is without doubt one of the most fascinating heavyweights on the verge of breaking by means of to elite stage.

Earlier than, it seemed like Zhang can be caught on the skin wanting in as opponents ducked him for extra profitable and fewer harmful choices. With Turki Alalshikh dealing with the money and matchmaking duties, we may see him within the combine for undisputed champion by the tip of the 12 months.

Followers of the game who’ve complained a few lack of inter-promotional fights will even be happy by a brand new growth introduced on the Ngannou vs. Joshua press convention: a 5 vs. 5 occasion the place the highest names from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom boxing tackle Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.

With all these massive happenings, it’s little shock that Saudi Arabia informed UFC to go back to the drawing board for his or her debut occasion within the Kingdom. It’s massive issues, and solely massive issues, taking place there proper now.