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    Tragedy as mother of boxer on Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard passes away hours before fight

    KEVIN LERENA is mourning the death of his mother just hours before his return to the ring.The South African is set to feature on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s crossover clash with Francis Ngannou on Friday night against Justis Huni.Kevin Lerena is set to face Justis Huni on the Joshua vs Ngannou undercardCredit: GETTYThe South African will enter the fight with a heavy heart following the passing of his motherCredit: GETTYLerena revealed his mother’s passing on social media on Thursday morningCredit: X@KEVINLERENABOXINGBut the 31-year-old will have an extremely heavy heart when he faces the Aussie following the passing of his mother – whom he plans to honour by going ahead with the bout.He wrote on X on Thursday morning: “Today I lost [the] strongest woman I have ever known.”My mom fought tirelessly as a single mom to raise us, and her strength and determination will forever inspire me.”Even in her final moments she fought until the very end, she fought with all her might. READ MORE IN BOXING”Mom, I love you, I will carry on your warrior spirit.”Tomorrow night, I WILL FIGHT in your honour because you were a LION and you raised a LION.”Your fight lives on in me, and I will always carry your strength with me. “Rest peacefully in God’s kingdom.”Most read in BoxingKevin Lerena plans to honour his late mother by going ahead with the fightCredit: GETTYLerena’s followers were quick to offer their condolences, with one saying: “Condolences champ.”Another said: “Sincerest condolences Kevin, to yourself and your family.”Francis Ngannou’s story from refugee to fighting Tyson Fury and Anthony JoshuaAnd another said: “Condolences Champ. All the best tomorrow.”One remarked: “Sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and the family.”Another chimed in: “Condolences it takes a champion to raise a champion.”Lerena faces Huni on the back of a lengthy training camp with Tyson Fury, in which he helped The Gyspy King prepare for his rescheduled undisputed heavyweight title fight with Oleksandr Usyk.The interim WBC bridgerweight champion enters the contest on the back of decision wins over Ryad Merhy and Senad Gashi.He suffered a third-round TKO defeat to Brit Daniel Dubois in December 2022, despite knocking Triple D down three times in the first round.That loss snapped a 17-fight win streak for the Johannesburg jouster, who has competed at cruiserweight, bridgerweight and heavyweight. More

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    Inside Anthony Joshua’s lavish life, from flying in a £45m private jet to enjoying luxury trips and owning a £350k watch

    ANTHONY JOSHUA’s social feeds pay homage to a magical lifestyle, featuring snaps of exotic holidays on private jets, custom-made motors and fancy watches.But despite being worth hundreds of millions and living a life of luxury, the British star still remains true to his mantra of staying humble.Frugal Anthony Joshua has amassed an astonishing wealth believed to be over £200mCredit: Instagram, @anthony_joshuaThat gives Joshua the opportunity to live a lavish lifestyle and enjoy trips to the world’s most glam hotspotsCredit: InstagramDespite his mega net worth, Joshua has been said to live, as his mantra says, a humble lifeHe rarely discusses his wealth, dodging the question in an interview with Louis Theroux in 2023.The 6ft 6in heavyweight banks a lot of his money, only splashing out on treats for his family, rarely on himself.A shrewd operator, he boasts an impressive property investment portfolio, owning commercial buildings in Mayfair and Bond Street.However, his right-hand man and marketing manager, Freddie Cunningham, once said that despite having “a lot of money,” Joshua “doesn’t live the life that he could.”Read more Anthony Joshua news”From the outside, it probably looks like he does. He’s seen in private jets, wearing expensive watches, and driving around in nice cars,” he told Business Insider in an interview in 2017.”But the jets are all sponsored. We’ve never paid for a private jet, or a helicopter, in our life. He gets a signature car from Land Rover.”He’s not spending that money. He’s accumulating money.”He’s living a lifestyle that probably everyone wants him to live, or see him live, but he’s doing it in a smart way. Tactful.”Most read in BoxingA free £45million private jetAJ is sponsored by US sportswear giant Under Armour – who provide him with a private jet, as well as paying him a seven-figure salary.Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua’s tattoos explainedShowing the interior of the £45million black G550 ahead of his trip to the States to face Ruiz for the first time, AJ said: “These type of things aren’t ordinary, in my daily life and in many other people’s daily lives, so it’s a blessing.”However, my view is even though I enjoy it and the door has been opened for me, I can’t forget to open the door for people who have come with me and the people who aren’t in a position to enjoy this type of luxury.”I never get too lost in the source and get carried away with these types of things.”The company also provide the former world heavyweight champion with his in-ring attire and training wear, including all tracksuits and trainers.Anthony also has free use of a helicopter, provided to him by Beats by Dre, who he’s been the face of since 2017.Free car when his was stolenAs a 17-year-old, Joshua’s first car was a Vauxhall Astra, which he saved up £1,500 to buy and claimed it was a “stable, sturdy car.”Now, thanks to his partnership with Jaguar Land Rover – which is rumoured to be worth £790,000 a year – AJ rolls round London in his choice of a fleet of luxury wheels, including a customised white Jaguar XJR, worth £93,000.His favourite motor is a customised Range Rover Dynamic, which he says “looks very professional and sets a standard” worth £150,000.While, he once tried to buy a £600,000 stunning Rolls-Royce Phantom stretch limo, after he was taken for a ride in it in 2016.AJ hired the amazing motor when he attended an event in Staffordshire.And he was so impressed, he reportedly asked John Smith, the owner of Phantom Limo Hire, if he would sell it to him.Joshua also shared a snap on Instagram posing with the limo.He captioned the photo: “Work… That’s all a brother’s working with.”AJ was a former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world champion after losing the belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021Credit: Getty Images – GettyAJ has a deal with Jaguar Land Rover, who gave him a stunning Dynamic model Range Rover worth £150kBoxing heavyweight AJ proudly shows off his motors on InstagramCredit: Instagram, @anthony_JoshuaAJ was enamoured by a £600k Rolls-Royce limo he hiredCheck out these amazing collections
    Free trips to Dubai, Miami and JamaicaWhen he isn’t sparring, AJ enjoys exotic holidays with his family and friends, with his Instagram showing him glam locations like Dubai, Jamaica and Miami.Some of these trips are sponsored by countries and resorts who want the privilege of having the sporting icon spotted hitting their hottest tourist spots.Cunningham said: “We have a partnership with Dubai Tourism and they really like him and get his philosophy on life, his morals, everything.”He resonates with that territory. They want to bring boxing there. Hopefully we can do something there.”Anthony has also stayed at the Nobu Miami Beach Private Villa, which costs £5,000 per night and the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, where luxury villas are rented out for £4,000 a week.read more sport featuresAway from the ring, AJ lives a jet-set life and travels consistently around the globeAnthony travels on a £45million private jet provided by Under ArmourCredit: Instagram, @anthony_JoshuaAJ takes a ride on the XLine zipline in Dubai as he enjoys living the fun lifeCredit: Instagram @Anthony_JoshuaDubai is one of AJ’s favourite destinations and he has a deal with the tourism boardA free watch worth more than a houseAnthony came from humble beginnings on a council estate in Watford.He now says he knows the value of the money he’s made.“Don’t save what is left after spending, spend what is left after saving,” was the advice he gave his Instagram followers.But despite keeping his purse strings shut, he still wears jewellery and clothes worth thousands.He was gifted a £350,000 watch worth more than the average house, thanks to his partnership with luxury jewellers Audemars Piguet.In another social media post, he shared a snap of a Marvel-themed time piece worth £120,000.Watch collector AJ has a stunning £350,000 Audemars Piguet watch seen hereAJ also showed a £120k timepiece that was inspired by Marvel superhero Black PantherProperty portfolioPlaying real-life Monopoly, Joshua has bought commercial buildings in Mayfair and Bond Street – the latter for a whopping £25million.Through his company 258 Investments he has also acquired two residential homes in North London, and is said to own three homes in his native Watford worth £1.5million.Back in October, The Sun exclusively reported Joshua dropped £30million on a 301,000 square foot property in Hertfordshire, which was previously the HQ for oil giant BP.READ MORE SUN STORIESA close pal of the 2012 Olympic gold medalist told us: “AJ has seen so many athletes build vast wealth and then squander it all.”He is smarter than that. He has been working to build a huge empire that spans multiple large investments in different industries and will continue to grow way after he hangs up his gloves. He and his partners have really big plans for the complex he has bought.”In recent times, Joshua has become a property magnateCredit: GQ / Matthew BrookesAJ has spent his wealth wisely on property investments, including this retail space in Bond Street for £25mThis plush Mayfair building is also owned by AJ as part of his portfolio More

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    Did you spot the subtle change Francis Ngannou made to taunt Anthony Joshua during intense face-off?

    FRANCIS NGANNOU made the smallest of changes to his appearance to troll Anthony Joshua during their penultimate face-off.The former UFC heavyweight champion locks horns with the Watford warrior in a lucrative crossover clash on Friday night.Francis Ngannou throws down with Anthony Joshua on Friday nightCredit: REUTERSNgannou taunted Joshua into revealing what he listens to in his lone AirPod during press conferencesCredit: GETTYThe former UFC champ mocked AJ by wearing his own AirPod during their penultimate face-offCredit: GETTYThe pair have been nothing but cordial with one another in the build-up to their money-spinning Saudi showdown, although Ngannou has slowly but surely ratcheted things up with a series of funny social media posts.One of his recent posts mocked AJ’s wearing of a single AirPod in his right ear at media events, which he also referenced during Wednesday’s final pre-fight press conference.And in a bid to further troll the Brit, he put an airpod in his left ear as they squared up for their final face-off.Boxing fans couldn’t help but notice his sly taunt at AJ, with one writing on X: “No way you wore Joshua’s left airpod.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother said: “Is he going to have to win back his airpod?”And another said: “This kid put on an AirPod to wind him up.”One remarked: “Looks like @francis_ngannou has found Anthony Joshua’s missing airpod.”One chimed in: “Love that Ngannou is wearing an AirPod to mock AJ.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT”Why does AJ always have his AirPods on during face-offs and weigh-ins?”Fight fans have long wondered what former two-time unified heavyweight champ Joshua listens to in his lone airpod during pressers.Brilliant moment Anthony Joshua reveals what music he listens to after airpods start playing during press conference and Ngannou jokingly nicks oneLaughing after being quizzed about it, he put his phone to the microphone and said, ‘It’s just music’ as ‘Eskimo’ by Wiley blared out.He added: “I don’t know why there’s a big conspiracy of what I listen to on my AirPod. “I don’t know what the big deal is.”MMA superstar Ngannou shocked the world last October against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who he dropped in the third round of their crossover clash.And coach Dewey Cooper reckons Fury’s shortcomings against ‘The Predator’ have heaped additional pressure on AJ’s shoulders.He told SunSport: “I see him not being tentative.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Why? Because he has to get that monkey off his back.”He has to outdo Tyson Fury. So he’s going to come out fighting.”Francis Ngannou has also mocked Anthony Joshua’s lone AirPod on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@FRANCISNGANNOU More

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    When is Tyson Fury fighting Anthony Joshua?

    TYSON FURY will be ringside to watch Anthony Joshua fight Francis Ngannou knowing their paths could be destined to meet. AJ returns against MMA star Ngannou TOMORROW in Saudi Arabia with Fury making the trip to Riyadh to watch it. Tyson Fury faces Oleksandr Usyk in his next boutCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua can earn a fight with Fury by beating Francis NgannouCredit: AFPThe Gypsy King is in camp for his rearranged May 18 undisputed bout with Oleksandr Usyk having pulled out of the February 17 date due to a cut. And the winner of the unified title fight will then be lined up to face either Joshua or Ngannou. So here, SunSport looks at when the British boxing fans could finally get fight that has been teased for so many years. When would Fury and Joshua fight? Despite the winner between Joshua, 34, and Ngannou, 37, being promised a shot at the undisputed crown, it is not that simple. READ MORE IN BOXINGThat is because Fury, 35, and Usyk, 37, have agreed to a two-fight deal, meaning they will box twice this year. So it rules out AJ potentially challenging Fury until 2025 at the earliest. What would be on the line? If Fury prevails from his double header against Usyk, he should do so with all four heavyweight belts. But he also faces being stripped of the IBF version after his first fight as Filip Hrgovic is the mandatory challenger. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSo if Fury rematches Usyk and is stripped, Joshua is being lined up to fight Hrgovic for the vacant IBF belt, which he could in theory then defend against the Gypsy King later down the line. What has been said? Tyson Fury arrives in Riyadh to meet with promoter Turki Alalshikh Joshua has refused to comment on any other business except Ngannou – but Fury has been a lot more vocal. He said: “Turki (Alalshikh), I was talking with him last night about it and he said the winner of this fight, will get the winner of you and Usyk.”After me and Usyk fight and have a rematch, then the winner of this will get a shot at that. “So me and Usyk have two fights lined up this year. So the winner of that fight will get to fight the winner of this fight. So there’s a lot on the line.”AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn reckons they could slide in to fight Fury before an Usyk rematch but will settle for Hrgovic and the vacant title if needed. He told Boxing News: “You know that if AJ knocks out Ngannou and Fury beats Usyk His Excellency will have the opportunity to make the biggest fight in the sport, one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport [and] it’ll be very difficult for him not to do it.“We’ve been told that if we beat Ngannou we’ll get the undisputed shot, that was prior to the Fury cut. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we have to fight Hrgovic in the meantime for the world title no problem as well.”ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT More

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    Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Will any belts be on the line for huge Saudi bout?

    ANTHONY JOSHUA will take on UFC legend Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.It will be the first time that the British heavyweight has ventured into crossover boxing.ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTJoshua has been in fine form of late, winning his last four fights, including a recent triumph over tricky southpaw Otto Wallin.AJ now faces former UFC champion Ngannou, who gave the unbeaten Tyson Fury a run for his money back in October.The Cameroonian powerhouse knocked down the Gyspy King in the third round before controversially losing the bout by way of split decision.Ngannou’s stunning boxing debut catapulted the No10 spot on the WBC rankings.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Will any belts be on the line?There will be no title on the line when Anthony Joshua takes on Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, as neither fighter currently holds any belts.The bout will be ten three-minute rounds as opposed to the more conventional 12-round fights.Each fighter can win by way of knockout, decision or TKO.The 10-point ‘must’ system will be used for every round, meaning the winner of a round scores 10 points, while the loser receives nine – unless they are knocked down or badly hurt, in which case they will get eight points, seven or less, depending on the severity of the damage.Most read in BoxingHow to watch Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou
    Joshua vs Ngannou will be shown live on DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office.
    You can live stream all the action from the DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office websites as well as their apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The DAZN UK PPV price will be £19.99, which includes one month’s DAZN subscription.
    For existing DAZN subscribers, the PPV price will be £18.99.
    The Sky Sports Box Office price for the fight has been set at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK.  More

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    Anthony Joshua’s incredible body transformation revealed in pictures as he gears up for Francis Ngannou fight

    ALL EYES will be on Anthony Joshua when he tips the scales to fight Francis Ngannou as the fascination on his weight continues. AJ’s fluctuating size has been a major talking point throughout his career as he looks to find that goldilocks number. Anthony Joshua’s fluctuating size has been a major talking point throughout his careerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAJ looks ripped and ready before fighting Francis NgannouCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingWhen he made his professional debut, he scaled 16st 6lb before knocking out Emanuele Leo inside the opening round. By the time he became world heavyweight champion – three years and 16 fights later – he was at 17st 4lb. Joshua then raised eyebrows a year on in his fourth title defence as he bulked up to a then-heaviest 18st 2lb before beating Carlos Takam. AJ was accused of looking sluggish during the ten-round stoppage and returned to beat Joseph Parker on points at 17st 4lb.READ MORE IN BOXINGThat was considered to be around his sweet spot until he was stunned to a first defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019. Joshua was 17st 9lb before being dropped four times and stopped in seven rounds of his US debut in New York. For the rematch – with his reputation on the line – he shrunk down to 16st 13lb to box and move his way to a career-saving victory. Before Joshua suffered defeat again, to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021, he claimed his weight was the least of his worries. Most read in BoxingJoshua weighed 18st 2lb before beating Carlos TakamCredit: SportsfileHe slimmed down to 16st 13lb before beating Andy Ruiz Jr in their 2019 rematchCredit: The SunANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I don’t really focus on my weight. It’s just training. I just put in the work.”Joshua was 17st 2lb the first time against Usyk and put on just 4lb for the rematch, which he also lost on points. The Sun’s Wally Downes Jr tells Francis Ngannou his ‘legs are looking skinny’ and he’ll ‘give him some tips’ after media workoutAJ then returned in April of 2023 against Jermaine Franklin and did so at an all-time heaviest 18st 3lb before winning by decision. Joshua went back down to 17st and 12lb before knocking out Robert Helenius in August. And for his most recent win, a five-round stoppage of Otto Wallin, he did so at 17st 13lb. Ngannou meanwhile scaled 19st 3lb before his boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October. Joshua at an all-time heaviest 18st 3lb before beating Jermaine FranklinCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAJ was 17st 13lb before his last fightCredit: GettyFrancis Ngannou scaled over 19st before fighting Tyson FuryCredit: AFPThe ex-UFC champion even floored Fury only to lose a controversial split-decision. And even AJ’s promoter and biggest supporter Eddie Hearn fears the monster of a man. Hearn told SunSport: “When you’re that strong, you can change a fight at any given moment. “You can be dominating a fight for five or six rounds and walk into one, and a fight can be over.“This is probably the most nervous I’ve been for a fight because it’s a little bit of the unknowns about Ngannou. “I’m looking at him like, ‘Can you even hurt him? Can you push him back?’ READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s just a freak of nature, but I still stand by the fact that AJ is better in every single department, and he’s got to show it on Friday.”Joshua and Ngannou facing offCredit: Getty More

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    Inside Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren’s five vs five boxing tournament with mouthwatering fight set to top bill

    EDDIE HEARN reveals ‘We’ve got some unbelievable surprises up our sleeves’ as he prepares to take on Frank Warren. The British pair of promoters have put years of bitter feuding behind them to come together in Saudi Arabia. Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren will put their stables together for a 5v5 tournamentCredit: GettyThey are co-promoting blockbuster bouts in the controversial Gulf state after Middle Eastern powerbroker Turki Alalshikh brought the two together. And the latest treat for fans will be Hearn and Warren putting their stables against each other for a five-fight tournament. Each promoter will choose two weight classes while Turki Alalshikh will get the final pick with everyone kept in the dark until the big reveal. Hearn told SunSport: “We’re going to pick two weight classes, Frank’s picking two weight classes and His Excellency chooses another weight class. READ MORE IN BOXING”No one knows the fighters until they meet at the official press conference in London. “So you will pick the best available fighter from that weight class that you have. “And the big reveal will be in London. We’ll fill the weight classes this week, it will be announced I think Saturday after Joshua-Ngannou. “We’ve got some unbelievable surprises up our sleeve. It’s going to be a big format everybody’s talking about it and genuinely, we cannot lose. We must not lose this. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe historic event is eyed for June 1 in Riyadh with Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol topping the deal in a light-heavyweight undisputed super-fight. The undercard will be made up of Hearn’s men versus Warren’s and the Machroom Boxing chief will do everything he can to gain bragging rights. Exclusive Frank Warren Interview ahead of AJ vs Ngannou – reveals AJ turned down HUGE offer from him in order to join SkyHe said: “We were talking about the 5v5 and he went, ‘I ain’t losing this!’ And I said, ‘I ain’t losing this!’ “I’m going into that changing room and I am giving Churchillian speeches to my fighters, potentially win bonuses and saying, ‘Listen, you’ve got to win this fight.’ “That’s why we want the fights to be pickem’ fights so we’re sitting ringside just excited. “The opportunities for our fighters are incredible and that’s the main thing.”The promoters signed a deal for the 5v5Credit: Instagram More

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    ‘Fury camp looking quiet’ – Fans spot Tyson Fury looking sheepish as Ngannou ‘completely wrecks him’ at press conference

    FRANCIS NGANNOU had even fans frightened of him after his press conference clash with Tyson Fury. Ngannou faces Anthony Joshua tomorrow night in Saudi Arabia, five months after his boxing debut against Fury. Francis Ngannou clashed with Tyson Fury at his press conferenceCredit: GettyFury gatecrashed the press conference in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyThe MMA superstar floored heavyweight world champion Fury only to lose a controversial split-decision. It has kept the bad blood brewing between the pair as the Gypsy King gatecrashed Ngannou’s press conference. And Ngannou quipped: “I’m just getting started.”I’m looking for the victory on Friday, I don’t think it will be a statement because the road is still long.READ MORE IN BOXING”I want one more over Tyson, because I had the first one over him and I intend to have a second!”Fury heckled Ngannou from the crowd and claimed he would beat the ex-UFC champion in the ring or octagon. But Ngannou hit back: “I’m going to wipe the ring with your a*** again – there was blood in the ring!”Your only chance is in the boxing ring with boxing rules, when you step out the ring you better stay five metres away because if I lose it, you’ll have a really bad time my friend.Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Respect the fact boxing rules are protecting you, because you are nothing in front of me. I’ll beat you every day, twice on Sunday!”The savage blast had fans convinced Ngannou put Fury in his place as one said: “That little switch there at the end from Francis….. everybody looked like they had seen a ghost. He’s a scary man.”Tyson Fury ‘in heated clash with Francis Ngannou’ moments before amazing pic with Anthony Joshua and Cristiano RonaldoAnother added: “Ngannou has completely wrecked him here. Fury Camp looking very quiet!One agreed: “That silence from Fury camp! They know what’s up, Francis Ngannou is the literally the baddest man on the whole planet.”Fury, 35, faces Oleksandr Usyk, 37, for the undisputed title on May 18 after he pulled out of their February 17 date with a cut sustained in sparring. The pair are set for a rematch after but the winner between Joshua, 34, and Ngannou, 37, have then been promised a shot at the belts afterwards. Joshua facing off with NgannouCredit: Getty More