Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou, Zhilei Zhang, Joseph Parker ready to rumble

The big men are the headliners this Friday in Saudi Arabia. 

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) faces Francis Ngannou. 

Joshua is favored, but danger lurks in the powerful fists of Ngannou. 

291-pound Zhilei Zhang (26-2, 21 KOs) faces upset-minded Joesph Parker (34-2, 23 KOs) in the co-feature.  

Ngannou announced his arrival a few months ago when he shockingly floored heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury. 

Fury got up, but his expression said it all. He was shocked, as were thousands of boxing fans. Fury got the decision, but Ngannou won the night.

Joshua was set to face Deontay Wilder early this year. He did his part by dominating contender Otto Wallin. Wilder laid an egg against Parker. There goes the fight between Joshua and Wilder. Joshua then signed to fight Ngannou. 

The pressure is all on Joshua. A loss would be disastrous. Many have questioned his wisdom in fighting Ngannou. 

Not Joshua. 

“I’m ready, I’m looking forward to it,” said Joshua. "I’ve been working the whole year for this moment."

Parker’s win over Wilder shocked almost as many boxing fans as Ngannou dumping Fury. Wilder was supposed to knock Parker out, but the fight, as it was, wasn’t close. Parker moved, parred, ducked, smothered, and boxed. Wilder looked unfocused and confused. He rarely punched. Parker popped hiim with enough shots to win easily. 

Zhilei Zhang’s career was wobbling after his first loss. He righted things by stopping the favored Joe Joyce - who had stopped Parker. Zhang emphatically repeated his win a few months later.  

He’s favored to topple Parker by 2-1 odds. Parker could win if he can hurt Zhang, but Zhang, a southpaw, is durable and clever. 

Weights: 

Anthony Joshua 252 vs. Francis Ngannou 272

Zhilei Zhang 291 vs. Joseph Parker 247