Ngannou impressed in his defeat to Fury and is now ready for Joshua

But Ngannou is back to take on another British heavyweight in Joshua, who won three times in 2023 as he rebuilds his career after losing his world titles and suffering successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

On Friday night news broke that both Joshua and Ngannou had signed a deal for the ten-round bout which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The showdown was confirmed by Joshua’s promoter Hearn, who said on X: “Tonight we confirm it’s a done deal! @anthonyjoshua v @francis_ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon!”

Meanwhile, fellow promoter Frank Warren said: “Another historic night for@RiyadhSeason! Press conference and fight date news coming soon. Can’t wait for it all to get started!”

It is expected that the fight will be staged on March 9 – the date originally scheduled for Joshua vs Deontay Wilder.

Joshua and Wilder had agreed a deal to face off ahead of fighting on the same Day of Reckoning card in Saudi Arabia on December 23.

But while Joshua enjoyed an impressive win over Otto Wallin, forcing the Swede to retire, Wilder was comprehensively beaten on points by Parker.

Now AJ will instead take on Ngannou in an intriguing match-up after the MMA icon pushed Fury all the way on his boxing bow in a fight he was expected to lose comfortably.

The October showdown saw the former UFC heavyweight champion acquit himself brilliantly against Fury at his own game.

Ngannou gave Fury plenty of problems in OctoberCredit: Getty

While Joshua was far too good for WallinCredit: Getty

Ngannou incredibly knocked the ‘Gypsy King’ down to the canvas in the third round and seemed to have secured a massive upset after ten rounds of boxing.

One judge gave the fight to Ngannou with a 95-94 score.

However, he was overruled by the two other officials who awarded a split decision win to Fury with highly-debatable scorecards of 96-93 and 95-94.

Joshua is expected to emerge victorious despite Ngannou’s obvious boxing pedigree.

Everything is on the line when Fury and Usyk meet in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty

And maybe Joshua will be able to fight the winnerCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom

AJ’s ultimate goal is to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world having lost his world title against Usyk in September 2021 before failing to win them back when they met the following year.

Fury and Usyk are the current holders of the major heavyweight belts and the pair will lock horns in an undisputed showdown on February 17, also in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua – should he come through his Ngannou test – is then likely to target the winner as he eyes a third shot at becoming world champion.