H.E. Advisor Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, proudly announces ‘Knockout Chaos,’ featuring the former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua against MMA superstar and now Heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou. The event takes place on Friday, March 8, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Delivered to fans worldwide by The General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, along with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, Goldstar Promotions, and GIMIK Fight Promotions, this clash promises to be a mouth-watering spectacle.
Road to ‘Knockout Chaos’:
Formerly holding the WBA, IBF, and WBO World Champion titles, Anthony Joshua capped a successful year on December 23, 2023, by defeating Otto Wallin in five rounds during the ‘Day of Reckoning’ in Riyadh. This victory marked his return to the elite end of the Heavyweight rankings.
Ngannou, a former UFC Heavyweight champion, entered the boxing world in the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ against WBC World Champion Tyson Fury on October 28, 2023. His remarkable performance, including a powerful left hook that sent Fury to the canvas, earned him respect and admiration globally. Now, in his second professional fight, Ngannou faces Anthony Joshua, the other popular heavyweight on the planet.
Statements from Key Figures:
H.E. Alalshikh emphasizes that ‘Knockout Chaos’ is a significant event in Riyadh Season, bringing together international champions and showcasing the popularity of the sport.
Anthony Joshua expresses gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and vows to approach the fight with laser focus.
Ngannou, determined to silence doubters, warns Joshua to prepare for a battle like nothing he has ever faced.
Frank Warren, Hall of Fame Promoter, sees the event as a monumental moment for boxing, made possible by the collaboration with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and his team.
Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, acknowledges the magnitude of the fight, calling it one of the biggest in boxing.
Manager of Ngannou, Marquel Martin, appreciates the support from His Excellency and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for organizing this epic Heavyweight showdown.
Impressive Undercard:
In addition to the main event, the undercard features heavyweight clashes like Zhilei Zhang defending his WBO Interim world championship against former world champion Joseph Parker, Rey Vargas making the first defense of his WBC World Champion belt against Nick Ball. Mark Chamberlain faces Gavin Gwynne. Native Saudi Ziyad Almaayouf will be fighting against Justis Huni as one of the openers and the other opening fight is between Roman Fury and Jack McGann.
About Riyadh Season:
Riyadh Season, an annual winter entertainment event in Saudi Arabia’s capital, has become a global attraction since its launch in 2019. The 2023 season commenced with the historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, setting the stage for subsequent headline fights on the ‘Day of Reckoning.’
