The Nigerian town of Sagamu is rallying in support of Anthony Joshua, their local hero, as he prepares for his upcoming heavyweight contest against Cameroon’s Francis Ngannou. Sagamu, having a strong connection with the Joshua family, has shown immense pride in Joshua’s achievements, including renaming a street in his honor. Joshua, having spent part of his childhood in Nigeria, shares a deep bond with the town, highlighted by his heritage expressed through tattoos and music choices. The fight between Joshua and Ngannou is not only a sports event but also a source of local pride, reflecting the spirit of Sagamu.

In a significant crossover boxing event, Anthony Joshua is set to fight former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The bout is scheduled for Friday, 8 March, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the main event expected to kick off at 10.30pm GMT. The event showcases Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in boxing and can be viewed live on Dazn or Sky Sports in the UK. Betting odds currently favor Joshua over Ngannou. The fight, following standard professional boxing rules, will consist of 10 three-minute rounds, with victory achievable via decision, knockout, or technical knockout. Reports suggest potential earnings of $50 million for Joshua and $20 million for Ngannou, excluding pay-per-view points.

The undercard features notable matchups such as Joseph Parker vs. Zhilei Zhang for the WBO interim heavyweight title and Rey Vargas vs. Nick Ball for the WBC featherweight title, among others. These bouts add to the anticipation of the event, promising an exciting night of boxing.

This weekend’s heavyweight clash between British boxing star Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion making a notable entry into boxing, is highly anticipated by fans across the globe. This event, representing a cross-sport encounter, unfolds amidst the backdrop of Riyadh, marking a significant moment in both athletes’ careers and offering a thrilling experience for boxing enthusiasts.