Say what you will about the world of professional boxing, but there’s no question it is willing to think outside the box when it comes to promotion.
In the latest example of smart marketing, a trailer has been released for the upcoming Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou boxing showdown— which takes place March 8, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. And boy is it a good one.
Channeling classic Street Fighter vibes, the trailer gives both Joshua and PFL‘s “The Predator” their moment to shine. Check it out below care of DAZN’s social media.
A 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗢𝗨𝗧 trailer for #KnockoutChaos 🍿#JoshuaNgannou is live worldwide on DAZN on 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬, March 8. Buy NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv. #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/hk9sufiqDz
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) February 27, 2024
Ngannou is a busy man these days. Having exited the UFC after failing to come to terms on a new contract, he landed his dream fight against Tyson Fury, fighting to a split decision against the consensus best heavyweight on the planet. That has landed the Cameroonian a fight with Joshua; after that, there’s a match-up back in the MMA world against Renan Ferreira waiting.
The booking with Ferreira was sealed when the Brazilian PFL heavyweight champ defeated Bellator counterpart Ryan Bader at the PFL vs. Bellator Champions card last weekend. Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League in early 2023, but has yet to step in the cage for the promotion.
When Ngannou vs. Ferreira actually happens remains to be seen, and is likely dependent on the outcome of the boxing match with Joshua. Especially should Ngannou require time off to recover.
As for this latest trailer, it underscores just how formulaic the UFC‘s own promotional reels have become. Picture something like this for UFC 300!
