RIYADH (Saudi Arabia): Before Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou even stepped into a ring to face one another, a date of December 23 was set for Fury to fight Oleksandr Usyk. The premature booking to determine the next undisputed heavyweight champion was considered foolproof thanks to Ngannou’s novice skills.
However, Ngannou shocked those who doubted him, knocking Fury down in the third round and putting forth a tremendous effort. Though he lost via split decision, Ngannou proved that shouldn’t have been overlooked.
Following the fight, there were doubts about whether Fury vs. Usyk would happen as planned. Reports now suggest that the fight will happen sometime in February 2024. But while that fight will not go ahead on December 23, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia might have a solid backup plan. As they say, the show must go on, and Riyadh Season bounces back with a heavyweight boxing carnival featuring Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.
Per Dan Rafael, former champions Joshua and Wilder will compete in Saudi Arabia. However, they won’t fight one another yet and will instead take part in separate bouts. It would be a collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority, which has increased its role in the sports world with LIV Golf and partnerships with WWE, MMA and boxing.
MORE: Ngannou exposes how heavyweight boxing fumbled the bag on a golden era
A former two-time unified heavyweight champion, Joshua is on a two-fight win streak after losing twice to Usyk. His last fight was a knockout win over Robert Helenius. Swedish contender Otto Wallin, who is best known for giving Fury a tough fight in 2019, is rumored to be the opponent. Wallin is on a six-fight win streak, and last fought in September.
Former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder last fought in October 2022 when he knocked out Helenius inside three minutes. That was his first fight since completing a trilogy against Fury, who fought “The Bronze Bomber” to a draw before stopping him twice. Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is his rumored opponent. New Zealand’s Parker is on a three-fight win streak and last fought in October.
Other fighters rumored for the card include WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, Filip Hrgovic, and Daniel Dubois. Here’s all you need to know so far about the fight card, including date, time, location, odds, card, and more.
When isAnthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder fight card?
The event will take place on December 23.
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Saturday, December 23 | TBA | TBA |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Saturday, December 23 | TBA | TBA |
| UK and Ireland | Saturday, December 23 | TBA | TBA |
| Australia | Sunday, December 24 | TBA | TBA |
MORE: An open apology to Francis Ngannou
How to watch Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder fight card
The Sporting News will provide additional information when available. Several of the fighters involved are under the Matchroom and Queensberry Promotions umbrella, which makes for a potential collaboration between ESPN+ and DAZN.
Where is Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder fight card? The event would be in Saudi Arabia in an arena TBD. Joshua has fought in King Abdullah Sports City and Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia.
Betting odds for Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder fight card: As of now, odds are not available for this event.
Anthony Joshua record and bio:
- Nationality: British
- Born: October 15, 1989
- Height: 6-6
- Reach: 82 inches
- Total fights: 29
- Record: 26-3 with 23 wins via knockout
Deontay Wilder record and bio:
- Nationality: American
- Born: October 22, 1985
- Height: 6-7
- Reach: 83 inches
- Total fights: 46
- Record: 43-2-1 with 42 wins via knockout
Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder Saudi Arabia rumored fight card:
- Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin
- Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker
- Dmitry Bivol vs. Lyndon Arthur for the WBA light heavyweight title
- Jai Opetaia vs. Ellis Zorro for the IBF and Ring cruiserweight titles
- Filip Hrgovic vs. Mark De Mori
- Daniel Dubois vs. Jarrell Miller
- Frank Sanchez vs. Junior Fa
- Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Agit Kabayel. –The Sporting News
