Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: Why is heavyweight fight taking place on a Friday, and not a Saturday?

The world of boxing is preparing itself for a huge fight on March 8 when Anthony Joshua takes on Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. 

While Ngannou has already made his professional boxing debut, the fact that a former UFC star is taking on a former world heavyweight champion in just his second fight is still a unique sight for fans. 

But this is not the only thing that makes this upcoming event unique. Instead of taking place in a traditional Saturday evening slot for big fights, it will instead be taking place on a Friday, but what is the reason behind this decision? 

DAZN explains. 

Why is Joshua vs. Ngannou taking place on a Friday instead of Saturday? 

This fight will be taking place on a Friday to ensure that it does not clash with the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix which will be staged at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit the following day. 

Joshua vs. Ngannou fight date, start time

• Date: Friday, March 8
• Time: 4 p.m. UK / 11 a.m. ET
• Main event ringwalks (approx.): 10:50 p.m. UK / 5:50 p.m. ET

The ringwalks for Joshua vs. Ngannou are scheduled for 10:50 p.m. UK / 5:50 p.m. ET, these timings could change due to the length of the undercard fights. The undercard will begin at 4 p.m. UK / 11 a.m. ET. 

What channel/stream is Joshua vs. Ngannou?

• US, UK and ROW: DAZN.com

Viewers worldwide can watch Joshua vs. Ngannou live on DAZN.com (excl. Russia, Belarus and China). Click here for more details. 

Can I watch Joshua vs. Ngannou on DAZN?

The card will stream live on DAZN.com in over 200 countries across the globe (excl. Russia, Belarous and China). Click here for more details on how to watch Joshua vs. Ngannou live on DAZN. 

However if you are in Argentina, Chile and Colombia you must download the DAZN app from the Apple App Store or Android Google Play store and then sign up from there, rather than via web browser.

What devices are supported by DAZN?

DAZN has apps available for all of the following platforms: Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire Tablet, Android Phone & Tablet, iPhone & iPad, Android TV, LG, Smart TV, Panasonic Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, SmartCast, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Roku.

Here is a full list of the devices where DAZN is available, in addition to web browsers on DAZN.com (if you are in Argentina, Chile and Colombia you must download the DAZN app from the Apple App Store or Android Google Play store and then sign up from there, rather than via web browser):

Where is the Joshua vs. Ngannou fight?

The fight will take place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Anthony Joshua record and bio

• Nationality: British
• Date of birth: October 15, 1989  
• Height: 6' 6"    
• Reach: 82"   
• Total fights: 30   
• Record: 27-3 (24 KOs)   

Francis Ngannou record and bio

• Nationality: Cameroonian   
• Date of birth: September 5, 1986
• Height: 6' 4"    
• Reach: N/A   
• Total fights: 1   
• Record: 0-1   

Joshua vs. Ngannou fight card

• Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou; Heavyweight
• Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker; For Zhang's WBO interim heavyweight title
• Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball; For Vargas' WBC featherweight title
• Israil Madrimov vs. Magomed Kurbanov; For the vacant WBA super welterweight title
• Gavin Gwynne vs. Mark Chamberlain; Lightweight
• Justis Huni vs. Kevin Lerena; Heavyweight
• Jack McGann vs. Louis Green; Light middleweight
• Roman Fury vs. Martin Svarc; Heavyweight
• Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Christian Lopez Flores; Super lightweight
• Andrii Novytski vs. Juan Torres; Heavyweight

Live on DAZN: Check your region for the Saudi Pro League.  Click here for details.