An epic night of boxing action awaits combat sports enthusiasts as ranked heavyweight boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou are set to collide in an event dubbed “Knockout Chaos.” The heavyweight showdown is set to unfold on March 8 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and promises to be a pivotal moment in the heavyweight boxing landscape, potentially propelling the victor towards a shot at a heavyweight crown next.
Joshua seeks to extend his win streak to four, while Ngannou aims for his maiden triumph since crossing over to the boxing world. Sherdog.com brings live play-by-play updates, ensuring you don’t miss any moment from the “Knockout Chaos” event, with ring walks expected to start at approximately 7:15 p.m. ET.
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Joshua
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Joshua
Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua
Round 1
Ngannou (0-1) returns to the ring for the first time since he made his pro boxing debut and lost a contentious split decision to Tyson Fury on Oct. 28. Joshua (27-3)—an Olympic gold medalist and former WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion—has won three fights in a row since he suffered back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 and August 2022. Ngannou, 37, weighed in at 272.6 pounds, some 20 pounds heavier than the 34-year-old Englishman. Joshua, at 6-foot-6, owns a two-inch height advantage but gives up one inch in reach. Richard Gonzalez serves as the referee. The main event gets under way at 3:27 a.m. local time in Riyadh. Ngannou greets Joshua with a long left hook. Joshua looks to impose his jab. Ngannou answers with one of his own. The Frenchman steps into a right hook to the body, breaks away from a clinch and eats a jab. Joshua fires a jab to the midsection, as Ngannou unleashes a right hook and tries to corner the former champion. Joshua steps into a clean right hand floors Ngannou. He answers the count at eight but still looks hurt with 30 seconds to go in the round. Joshua stays poised and patient as time runs out.Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 JoshuaJay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Joshua
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Joshua