This Friday promises an early wake-up call for boxing enthusiasts in the UK and U.S., as the much-anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou takes center stage on DAZN PPV. With the event kicking off at 10:20 am ET and 3:20 pm UK time from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, fans may find themselves adjusting schedules to witness the blockbuster showdown. The Saudis, dictating the schedule, seem unperturbed by the inconvenient times for American and British audiences, confident in the lure of the heavyweight spectacle. Priced at $39.00 on DAZN, along with a subscription, or $69.99 on PPV.com, the card not only features the headline event but also includes compelling matchups such as Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker and Nick Ball vs. Rey Vargas on the undercard. Anthony Joshua, exuding confidence ahead of the clash, views Friday as a golden opportunity to showcase his talent and mental strength. The British boxer, having secured victories in his last three outings, enters the ring with optimism. However, the looming question remains: how will Joshua fare against the formidable puncher Ngannou, especially considering the lack of formidable opponents in recent years? Joshua's anticipation extends beyond the fight itself, expressing eagerness to return to training and build on his progress over the past 12 months. Reflecting on his recent matches, he emphasizes a newfound strength and rhythm, seemingly ready to face the challenges posed by Ngannou. Unfazed by external distractions, Joshua redirects his focus to personal growth, stating, "I’m not too worried about Fury and Usyk. Who knows if they’ll even get in the ring? I’m just worried about myself. That’s the most important thing." As the countdown to the unconventional Friday morning clash begins, fans eagerly await a spectacle that could reshape the heavyweight landscape. #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou #HeavyweightClash #RiyadhShowdown #DAZNPPV

Anthony Joshua remains unfazed by Francis Ngannou's bold knockout prediction ahead of their much-anticipated clash on Friday night, March 8th, airing on DAZN PPV. The fight, set to kick off at 10:30 a.m. ET in the U.S. and 3:20 p.m. UK time, has fans buzzing with excitement as two powerhouse heavyweights prepare to collide. With both fighters lured by significant financial incentives from the Saudi promoters, the unconventional timing of the event hasn't dampened the enthusiasm. Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) welcomes Ngannou's challenge, confident in his ability to halt the UFC champion. The British boxer appears revitalized after a series of confidence-boosting victories orchestrated by his promoter, Eddie Hearn, following his defeats against Oleksandr Usyk. In response to Ngannou's knockout prediction, Joshua asserts his optimism and brilliance. He challenges his opponent to face the reality of standing in front of him, promising to make it an arduous task to achieve any knockout ambitions. The upcoming clash is anticipated to be a game of strategy and will, with both fighters aiming to assert dominance in the heavyweight division. "I prepare for twelve," says Joshua, underlining his readiness for the full duration of the fight. However, he doesn't shy away from expressing his own intentions, stating, "I believe I can knock him out. Yeah, I would love to knock him out and make a statement." As the date draws nearer, the boxing world awaits this monumental showdown, recognizing the potential for a clash that could reshape the landscape of the heavyweight division. Joshua's determination to test Ngannou's knockout ambitions adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, promising a fight that fans won't want to miss. #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou #HeavyweightClash #DAZNPPV #BoxingShowdown

In a whirlwind of emotions, boxing sensation Ryan Garcia stirred concern among fans with a cryptic social media post that went viral. However, his father, Henry Garcia, has stepped in to clarify that it was nothing more than a prank, leaving fans with mixed feelings. Ryan Garcia, the 25-year-old boxing sensation, caused a social media storm when he posted a cryptic message that sent fans into a frenzy, speculating about his well-being. The post, shared on X and Instagram, led to concerns that the undefeated boxer might be facing serious issues. The cryptic nature of Ryan's message sparked worries among fans, with speculations ranging from health concerns to potential danger. The post left followers puzzled, wondering if there was more to the story or if it was a marketing tactic for his upcoming fight against Devin Haney on April 20th, set to be broadcasted on DAZN PPV. Henry Garcia, Ryan's father, swiftly took to Instagram to quell the rising concerns. Confirming that his son is okay, Henry clarified that it was all a prank, a playful troll that perhaps didn't land as expected. The news of Ryan's well-being brought relief to fans who had feared the worst after the enigmatic social media post. While the clarification from Henry Garcia put to rest worries about Ryan's safety, it didn't necessarily sit well with fans who felt tricked and toyed with. The emotional rollercoaster, initiated by Ryan's post, left some questioning the intention behind the prank and its impact on the promotion of the upcoming bout against Devin Haney. The reaction from fans, predominantly anger and frustration, highlights the fine line between engaging promotional strategies and unintentional emotional manipulation. If Ryan's objective was to stir controversy and perhaps play the villain in the promotion, the aftermath suggests a potential backlash that may affect the public perception of his upcoming fight. As the dust settles, and with the confirmation that Ryan is indeed fine, the focus shifts back to the much-anticipated clash with Devin Haney. Whether the cryptic post was a calculated move or an impulsive decision, it remains to be seen how it will impact the lead-up to the April 20th showdown on DAZN PPV. #RyanGarcia #DevinHaney #BoxingPrank #BoxingDrama #DAZN #HenryGarcia

Jermell Charlo, the former undisputed junior middleweight champion, finds himself beltless as the WBA strips him of his 154-lb title after a relatively brief two-year reign. Once considered a go-getter and the more ambitious of the Charlo twins, Jermell's title journey took an unexpected turn, leading to questions about his future in the ring. Charlo's downfall began after a lucrative $10 million bout against Canelo Alvarez, which seemingly left him missing in action. Despite becoming the undisputed 154-lb champion in 2022, Charlo never defended his championship. A 16-month hiatus, attributed to a hand injury preventing him from facing WBO mandatory Tim Tszyu, paved the way for the WBA's decision to strip him of his title, labeling him the 'Champion in recess.' The WBA's move places Charlo in a precarious position, and doubts linger about whether he will ever step back into the ring. With Israil Madrimov and Magomed Kurbanov failing to contest the vacant WBA 154-lb belt, Charlo's potential return remains uncertain. If Charlo chooses to resume his career, it's unlikely to be an attempt to reclaim his WBA title. Instead, speculation arises about a possible money fight against Terence Crawford. The WBA won't keep the 'Champion in recess' tag indefinitely if Charlo opts not to vie for the belt, potentially spelling the end of his boxing journey unless he secures lucrative opportunities. In the unpredictable world of boxing, financial considerations often play a crucial role in a fighter's decision to continue competing. Charlo, not yet enjoying the financial security of some top-tier athletes, may find it beneficial to keep pursuing million-dollar paydays as long as possible. The road ahead for Jermell Charlo remains uncertain, with the stripped title marking a significant setback. Whether he aims for redemption or financial stability will shape the next chapter of his career. #JermellCharlo #Boxing #WBA #ChampionInRecess #TerenceCrawford #CaneloAlvarez

Get ready for a seismic collision in the boxing world as heavyweight champions Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou gear up for an epic showdown. The highly anticipated  bout is scheduled to take place live on DAZN this Friday, March 8, promising fans an unforgettable night of action. The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation as two giants of combat sports, Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, prepare to lock horns in a heavyweight showdown set to captivate audiences worldwide. With the #JoshuaNgannou clash taking place live on DAZN this Friday, March 8, fight night promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. Anthony Joshua, a seasoned boxing champion and former two-time unified heavyweight titleholder, steps into the ring to face a new kind of challenge in the form of Francis Ngannou. The UFC heavyweight titleholder, known for his devastating knockout power, brings a different skill set to the table, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between the two disciplines. The significance of this bout lies not only in the clash of boxing and MMA but also in the sheer caliber of the fighters involved. Joshua, with a reputation for his technical prowess and explosive combinations, faces Ngannou, a force of nature in the UFC known for his knockout ability. The convergence of these styles promises a thrilling contest that could redefine the boundaries between the two sports. As the countdown to the #JoshuaNgannou showdown begins, fans are eagerly awaiting the clash of these titans, curious to see whose skill set will prevail in the ring. With both champions in prime form, the Friday night matchup on DAZN is destined to be a highlight in the world of combat sports, offering fans a rare and compelling spectacle. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and don't miss out on the electrifying action as Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou go toe-to-toe in a battle that transcends the boundaries of their respective sports. This is a heavyweight showdown that promises to leave an indelible mark in the annals of combat sports history. #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou #JoshuaNgannou #HeavyweightShowdown #BoxingvsMMA #DAZN

Heavyweight contender Joe Joyce has opted out of the opportunity to vie for the European title, choosing instead to focus on his forthcoming bout against Kash Ali on March 16th. Joyce's decision comes in the wake of a challenging period in 2023, marked by two knockout losses to Zhilei Zhang. These defeats saw Joyce surrender his WBO interim heavyweight title, along with his mandatory challenger status for a shot at world honors, and his previously unblemished record. Scheduled to face Granit Shala (15-0) for the EBU title, Joyce withdrew from the bout just one day before it was due to proceed to purse bids. This development follows Daniel Dubois also withdrawing from a potential title clash, leaving Shala without an opponent and his promoter, Ingo Volckmann, expressing frustration. Volckmann expressed his disappointment, stating, "It’s really annoying that this fight doesn’t happen either. I would also have loved to bring him to Germany and have him as the second main fight on April 6th in Falkensee before Jack [Culcay’s] world championship fight." Despite the setback, Volckmann and his team are exploring alternative options for Shala's next bout, including discussions with undefeated Ukrainian Oleksandr Zakhozhyi (18-0), who is next in line for a shot at the European title. The deadline for offers is set for March 13th, after which the bout could proceed to purse bids. Instead of featuring on the undercard of the upcoming Culcay vs. Murtazaliev card, where a new IBF super-welterweight champion will be crowned, Shala will now compete on April 13th in Charlottenbury. Whether this fight will be for the European title or against Zakhozhyi remains uncertain, pending further developments.   #JoeJoyce #Boxing #BoxingNews    

Frank Warren, renowned boxing promoter, is placing his full confidence in one of his rising stars, Nick Ball, as he prepares to challenge Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight title in Saudi Arabia. Ball's journey to this pivotal moment has been carefully orchestrated by Warren, and now he stands on the brink of championship glory. Warren expressed his unwavering support for Ball in a recent statement, highlighting his belief in the young fighter's capabilities. "Make no mistake, Vargas is a quality champion who only got beaten when he stepped up to super feather in his last fight," Warren stated in his column for Queensberry Boxing. "But I have such confidence in Nick and his abilities that I would happily put him up against anyone at the weight." Ball's upcoming bout against Vargas is set to be a significant moment in his career, with the opportunity to seize the world title and solidify his status as a top contender in the featherweight division. Warren's endorsement further underscores the high expectations surrounding Ball's potential success in the sport. The fight between Ball and Vargas is scheduled to take place as part of a star-studded event headlined by the highly anticipated showdown between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou. As Ball steps into the ring to face his formidable opponent, he carries with him the support and confidence of his promoter, Frank Warren, who believes in his ability to emerge victorious on the world stage. #FrankWarren #NickBall #Boxing

Ryan Garcia is making headlines once again, this time for his outspoken comments regarding ticket prices for his upcoming bout against Devin Haney. With just a few weeks left until the highly anticipated fight on April 20 at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, Garcia took to social media to voice his frustration, demanding that ticket prices be lowered. The build-up to the Garcia-Haney showdown has been marked by controversy and heated exchanges between the two fighters. Haney has already declared that the fight will be personal after Garcia insulted his religion, and tensions have only escalated since then. At the initial press conference, Garcia even accused Haney of being drunk, further adding fuel to the fire. Now, Garcia has turned his attention to ticket pricing, expressing his displeasure over the cost of tickets for the event. In messages posted on X, Garcia can be seen advocating for a reduction in ticket prices after receiving an update on ticket sales. Haney, upon seeing Garcia's message, responded with frustration, indicating his exasperation with Garcia's latest comments. For Garcia, this upcoming fight against Haney marks a crucial moment in his career, as he looks to redeem himself after his loss to Gervonta 'Tank' Davis in April 2023. However, distractions such as these criticisms of ticket prices could potentially impact his focus and preparation for the fight. As the countdown to April 20 continues, all eyes will be on Garcia and Haney as they prepare to step into the ring for what promises to be an electrifying showdown. #RyanGarcia #DevinHaney #Boxing

As the highly anticipated clash between Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua draws near, former Joshua opponent Jermaine Franklin has weighed in with valuable insights on how Ngannou can secure victory over the two-time world heavyweight champion. Scheduled for March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this bout carries immense implications for the future of the heavyweight division, potentially determining the next challenger for the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk. Franklin, who faced Joshua at The O2 Arena in April last year, recognizes the formidable challenge that Ngannou faces but believes in his ability to emerge victorious. Drawing from his own experiences and observations, Franklin outlined five key strategies that Ngannou should employ to maximize his chances against Joshua. "Francis needs to do these five things," Franklin emphasized.

1. Start Fast and Assert Dominance: Franklin advises Ngannou to come out with aggression, aiming to bully Joshua from the outset. He notes that Joshua tends to struggle when facing relentless pressure.
2. Utilize the Jab to Set Up Power Shots: Ngannou should rely on his jab to establish distance and rhythm, using it as a setup for his devastating power punches rather than relying solely on one-shot knockout attempts.
3. Exercise Patience and Wait for Openings: Franklin emphasizes the importance of patience, urging Ngannou to wait for opportunities to present themselves rather than forcing the action. He highlights Ngannou's performance against Fury as evidence of his ability to bide his time and capitalize on openings.
4. Absorb Joshua's Power: Franklin acknowledges Joshua's formidable punching power but believes Ngannou can withstand it. He suggests that if Ngannou can weather Joshua's punches, he stands a significant chance of emerging victorious.
5. Target the Body and Employ Angles: Ngannou should focus on attacking Joshua's body and utilizing angles to evade Joshua's power shots effectively. By varying his attack and creating angles, Ngannou can disrupt Joshua's rhythm and capitalize on openings.

Reflecting on Ngannou's surprising performance against Fury in his professional boxing debut, Franklin expresses confidence in Ngannou's ability to shock the world once again. He highlights Ngannou's heart, power, and ring intelligence as key assets that could tilt the odds in his favor. "While it would shock the world if he wins, if Francis follows these strategies, he wins for me," Franklin asserts. He underscores Ngannou's status as a dangerous fighter with nothing to lose, emphasizing the unpredictability and tenacity that such fighters bring to the ring. With both fighters poised to deliver a thrilling showdown, all eyes will be on Riyadh as Ngannou and Joshua collide in a battle that could redefine the landscape of the heavyweight division. As Ngannou seeks to etch his name in boxing history, Franklin's five-point plan serves as a blueprint for potential success, offering invaluable guidance as Ngannou prepares to enter the lion's den against Joshua.   #FrancisNgannou #AnthonyJoshua #Boxing

Devin Haney isn’t mincing words anymore when discussing his one-time mentor Floyd Mayweather Jr. In recent years, the Hall of Fame fighter had given Haney guidance by training him at his Las Vegas gym, and the two were even flying together on Mayweather’s private jet and spending time at his mega-mansion. But as the WBC super lightweight champion Haney and Ryan Garcia kicked off their negotiations in December, Mayweather got involved and influenced Garcia to instead fight Rolando Romero, the 140-pound WBA titleholder signed to Mayweather Promotions. Garcia obliged and told his team to focus on a fight with Romero, who switched his stance and signed a deal to fight Isaac Cruz on March 30. Stuck alone at the altar, Garcia reignited negotiations with the former undisputed lightweight champion Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) and quickly signed a deal to fight April 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on DAZN pay-per-view. Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) added fuel to the promotional fire this week by releasing nine-year-old sparring footage featuring a 16-year-old Haney tussling with Gervonta Davis at Mayweather’s gym. The edited one-minute and forty-three second clip shows the four-years-older Davis dominating Haney as Mayweather referees the action. A fed-up Haney finally punched back Friday on social media with a counter shot directed at Mayweather. “Floyd has been hating a long time,” Haney posted. “This ain’t just starting. I held my tongue for years because I respect the greats of the sport. But dude is a bonafide hater that doesn't wanna see nobody win if he’s not a part of it! I know he sent Ryan the sparring [footage] … I know he gave Ryan those ‘pimp’ comments to say [at the press conference]. Miserable old man tried to [originally] stop the fight. Alhamdulillah I’m happy he revealed himself to the world.” Soon after making the statement, Haney also posted an edited photo on Instagram carrying a torch with Mayweather behind him and called it “The Haney Era.”   #DevinHaney #FloydMayweather #Boxing

As Anthony Joshua gears up for his monumental bout against Francis Ngannou on March 8, he took a nostalgic trip down memory lane with DAZN's lead commentator, Mike Costello, reminiscing on the defining moments that have shaped his remarkable journey in boxing so far. From his humble beginnings to his Olympic triumph in London 2012, Joshua candidly shared insights into pivotal events, including his first professional signing with Matchroom Boxing and his debut against Emanuele Leo. Reflecting on his epic showdown with Vladimir Klitschko in 2017, Joshua emphasized the importance of perseverance and growth, acknowledging the invaluable role of trainers in shaping a fighter's career. Amidst discussions about his ring walks and encounters with figures like Conor McGregor, Joshua underscored the significance of embracing life's journey and leaving a lasting legacy. With a focus on his upcoming bout against Ngannou and his newfound partnership with trainer Ben Davison, Joshua radiated confidence and determination, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to achieving greatness in the heavyweight division. As 'Knockout Chaos' awaits at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Joshua's reflections serve as a testament to his resilience, ambition, and unwavering dedication to his craft. Watch full interview here [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb_bAUxgIwY[/embed] #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou #KnockoutChaos #Boxing

British welterweight contender Conor Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) is nearing his return to the ring, and promoter Eddie Hearn is preparing for different scenarios.

Appeal Pending: A decision from the UK Anti-Doping appeal regarding Benn's suspension is expected soon, and the outcome will dictate the fight location.

 While opponents remain unconfirmed, Danny Garcia (37-3, 21 KOs) appears to be the frontrunner. The 35-year-old former two-weight champion presents a high-profile opportunity for Benn.

UK or US? Hearn acknowledges the potential for a UK return, but also recognizes Garcia's appeal in the US, making the fight significant on either side of the Atlantic. The final decision will depend on the location cleared for Benn.

The fight is likely to take place at 154lbs (super welterweight), as both fighters haven't competed at their previous weights recently.

While Hearn prefers Benn to return to 147lbs (welterweight), he acknowledges the recent training for heavier weight classes and suggests a 154lbs bout wouldn't be an issue.

The boxing world awaits further developments, including the appeal decision, confirmed opponent, and fight location. Benn's return, regardless of the details, is expected to be a major event.

#Boxing #ConorBenn #EddieHearn #DannyGarcia #BBBofC #DannyGarcia #UK #US #Supermiddleweight #Welterweight  

Carl Froch, the former super-middleweight champion, has dismissed Jake Paul's recent callout, even offering to fight him for no money. Jake Paul, known for his transition from YouTube to boxing, is scheduled to fight Ryan Bourland in Puerto Rico this Saturday, with the event set to be broadcast live on DAZN. During the buildup to the fight, Paul insinuated that Froch was motivated by financial gain in considering the match. However, Froch swiftly dismissed these claims in an interview with Fruity Slots. He asserted that he has no interest in money when it comes to fighting Paul. "I’d happily run my fist down the back of his throat for free," Froch stated, emphasizing his eagerness to take on Paul without any monetary incentives. Froch also criticized Paul's boxing abilities, referring to Paul's recent match against Tommy Fury where he believes Paul displayed his limitations. He expressed disappointment in Fury's performance, stating, "Fury showed his level too, it’s a shame really because Tommy Fury had the chance to end all this Jake Paul nonsense for good." Furthermore, Froch dismissed Paul's comparison of himself to Floyd Mayweather as mere trolling. He emphasized that Paul is not in the same league as Mayweather and questioned Paul's credibility as a boxer, stating, "He’s trying to get a reaction." Before any potential matchup between Froch and Paul can take place, Paul must first focus on his upcoming fight against Bourland. Nevertheless, the exchange between Froch and Paul has added an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the boxing world, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what unfolds next. #JakePaul #CarlFroch #boxing #sports #YouTube #PaulBourland

David Benavidez, the undefeated super middleweight, has thrown down the gauntlet, claiming he was willing to accept a reduced purse of $5 million for a showdown with Canelo Alvarez. The goal was clear – to vie for the super middleweight undisputed championship by facing the Mexican superstar. However, Benavidez alleges that Canelo never had any intentions of stepping into the ring with him, leaving him disillusioned. In a recent interview with ESPN, Benavidez expressed his frustration, pointing to Canelo's departure from Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) as a sign that the fight was never in the cards. Despite Benavidez's readiness to take a reduced purse, the financial dynamics of the deal might not have aligned, potentially contributing to Canelo's reluctance. The reason why this fight is not happening is because Canelo doesn’t want it to happen, plain and simple," Benavidez asserted. He interprets Canelo's move away from PBC as a strategic avoidance of their potential clash. While Benavidez claims he won't be waiting for Canelo any longer, he leaves the door open for a return to super middleweight after testing the waters in the 175-pound division. Whether Benavidez's approach to apply pressure on Canelo will yield results remains uncertain, given their history of failed negotiations. The super middleweight sensation seems determined to make a mark in the light heavyweight division, signaling a shift in focus. As the boxing world awaits Canelo's next move, Benavidez's accusations add fuel to the speculation surrounding the elusive matchup. Will the two ever cross paths in the ring, or is Benavidez destined to forge a new legacy in the light heavyweight ranks? #DavidBenavidez #CaneloAlvarez #BoxingDrama #SuperMiddleweight #LightHeavyweight #UndisputedTitle