Francis Ngannou set to achieve monumental feat within just five months of pro-boxing career with Anthony Joshua fight

Francis Ngannou first stepped into the boxing ring as a professional when he laced up his gloves against lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury last October. Now, the French-Cameroonian is set to claim another unique achievement by taking on Anthony Joshua in March.

In a post on X, boxing journalist Michael Benson lauded the Predator's unique achievement, noting that by March the ex-UFC fighter would've fought two of the top three heavyweight boxers in the world just five months into his pro-boxing career.

Earlier today, reports about the clash flooded the internet, with veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani also confirming that the pair are set to engage in a 10-round clash.

Per a report by BBC, the former UFC heavyweight champion will face 'AJ' on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that a press conference for the same will be held on Jan. 15 in London.

In a sport where top fighters rarely face each other, a still green pugilist like Francis Ngannou readily taking on the cream on the crop of the heavyweight division is unprecedented.

On Oct. 28 last year, the French-Cameroonian passed his boxing debut with flying colors, giving 'The Gypsy King' his toughest fight in recent years. The biggest moment in the fight came in the third round when he dropped the British heavyweight with a vicious left hook.

While the 37-year-old was edged out by the WBC title holder via split decision, many in the combat sports community felt he was unfairly robbed of a win.

Joshua is a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, who is currently on a three-fight win streak following back-to-back losses against Oleksandr Usyk.

In his most recent fight at Riyadh, 'AJ' made light work of Otto Wallin, who had in the past given Fury one of the toughest fights of his career.

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Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: Opening odds

With the announced super-fight between Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua, the money lines for the heavyweight clash have emerged. Let's take a look at the opening odds for the event.

According to BetOnline, the British heavyweight is a -155 favorite against the MMA star, who opens as a +125 underdog. However, the final odds might differ since the bout is two months out.

Per the current odds, a $1000 wager on 'AJ' will yield a return of $1,645.16, while the same bet on 'The Predator' will result in a greater profit of $2,250.