Why Is Anthony Joshua Vs Francis Ngannou Fight Happening On A Friday?

Anthony Joshua (L) and Francis Ngannou (R) pose for a photo at the weigh-in ahead of their 'Knockout Chaos' heavyweight fight at Greece in Boulevard World on March 07, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. — Joshua and Ngannou will finally collide on Friday night (Picture: Getty)

Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou will face off in a hugely-anticipated heavyweight fight on Friday night in Saudi Arabia.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou competes in just his second boxing fight, having made his debut last October against Tyson Fury.

The Cameroonian almost shocked the world on that occasion, sending Fury tumbling to the canvas in the third round but eventually losing via a razor-thin split decision.

Joshua, meanwhile, has been on a steady path back to the top following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. The Brit beat Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius before his most impressive display against Otto Wallin last time out in December.

‘Knockout Chaos’ will also feature the huge heavyweight bout between Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang as chief support as both fighters look to stake their claim for a heavyweight title fight later in the year.

Why is Joshua vs Ngannou on a Friday?

While most bouts take place on Saturday evening, Joshua vs Ngannou will instead take place a day earlier on Friday.

This is due to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix which is scheduled to take place on the same weekend. The race is scheduled for Saturday and so the boxing has been brought forward a day to avoid a clash.

Both F1 and Boxing are not the only sports to recently host high-profile events in Saudi Arabia, with Ronnie O’Sullivan winning the inaugural World Masters of Snooker in Riyadh earlier in the week.