Introduction
When we talk about modern heavyweight boxing, one name that continually resurfaces is Anthony Joshua. The British heavyweight is not only known for his powerful punch and Olympic pedigree, but also for massive pay-days, splits in his career, and headline fights that generate global attention. In this article we will dive into: his latest high-profile fight (especially against Francis Ngannou), his net worth and earnings, and a breakdown of his most significant fights and what is ahead for him.
Anthony Joshua’s Last Big Fight: Joshua vs Ngannou
The Setup
Heading into March 2024, Joshua had rebounded after earlier setbacks. His opponent: Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion making waves in boxing. The bout was billed as “Knockout Chaos” and took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the Kingdom Arena.
The context: Joshua was seeking a statement victory to re-assert himself in the heavyweight division; Ngannou was seeking legitimacy as a crossover fighter.
The Fight & Result
The fight did not go long. Joshua delivered a second-round knockout of Ngannou. He knocked Ngannou down in quick succession, finishing the job early. This victory marked a major turning point for Joshua, who had suffered back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and needed a big win.
The result: Joshua wins via KO in Round 2.
What This Means for Joshua
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It regained momentum: after losses, a KO win of that kind helps rebuild his brand.
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Entered into contention again for titles and big fights: the win set him up for potential bouts with big names.
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Showed he still has elite power and capacity to deliver under pressure.
What This Means for Ngannou
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Though a brave crossover attempt, the quick defeat exposed gaps in his boxing-experience compared with elite boxers.
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Still a lucrative event, the fight enhanced his profile and earnings.
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May need to reassess path: boxing or return to MMA.
Anthony Joshua’s Net Worth & Earnings
Estimated Net Worth
Different sources cite varying figures. According to one profile, Joshua’s net worth is estimated at around US$150 million. Other sources suggest more modest, but still substantial figures in tens of millions. For example, one source estimated his net worth at around $100 million as of late 2023.
Conclusion: Joshua is among the highest-earning boxers in the heavyweight division and has built a strong financial foundation through fight purses + endorsements.
Major Earnings & Purse Highlights
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The fight against Ngannou reportedly brought Joshua earnings of around £30 million (≈ US$38-40 m) just for the win in Saudi Arabia.
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For the Ngannou fight, estimates suggested Joshua would clear around US$50 m total from the event (purse + PPV) while Ngannou around US$20 m.
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Earlier in his career, purses for big fights (e.g., Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr. II) were also very large, contributing to his overall earnings.
Income Streams Beyond the Ring
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Sponsorships and endorsements: Joshua has been associated with brands such as Under Armour, Hugo Boss, Land Rover, Jaguar.
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Global appeal: stage in Saudi Arabia, global broadcasting, pay-per-view interest add to revenue potential.
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Merchandising, appearance fees, and potential brand equity may add further value (less publicly quantified).
Career Journey & Noteworthy Fights
Early Career & Rise
Joshua won Olympic gold in 2012 and turned pro soon thereafter. He quickly ascended in the heavyweight division, claiming unified titles and becoming a major draw.
Unified Champion Era
He defeated grands like Wladimir Klitschko to claim the heavyweight crown, defended it multiple times. He built a strong record and reputation.
Setbacks
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Lost to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 (via UD) for the IBF/WBA/WBO titles.
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Lost the rematch in August 2022. Those defeats forced a rethink of his approach and career trajectory.
Comeback & Recent Wins
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He steadily rebuilt, winning fights such as against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and then the highlight against Ngannou in March 2024.
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These wins positioned him for a return to title-contender status.
The Ngannou Fight – A Statement
As covered earlier, the fight served as a statement: Joshua was back. The quick KO, the global platform, and the financial reward all boosted his profile.
What’s Next?
Post-Ngannou, Joshua is expected to pursue big heavyweight fights. Potential names include titles holders or big draws. Fans and analysts await announcements of major showdowns.
Francis Ngannou: The Opponent & His Stakes
Background
Francis Ngannou was a dominant force in MMA, having been the UFC Heavyweight champion. His power and story made him an interesting crossover to boxing.
Crossover to Boxing
Ngannou first boxed former champion Tyson Fury (in October 2023) in Saudi Arabia and then faced Joshua in March 2024. His boxing experience was limited, but the promotional build-up and financial stakes were huge.
Financial Impact & Net Worth
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Ngannou’s net worth before the Joshua fight was estimated at around US$15 million.
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His earnings from the crossover bouts were substantial in one-off terms: for example, revenue estimated ~$10 million+ for the Fury fight.
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The Joshua fight offered him another major payday and further elevated his profile.
Significance
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For Ngannou: large financial reward, global exposure, chance to pivot career.
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For Joshua: facing an opponent with huge name and media interest, thus bigger event payday and attention.
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The fight also underscores the growing trend of crossover bouts (MMA vs boxing) and the global appeal of heavyweights in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Why This Fight Matters in Boxing Landscape
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It demonstrates the global shift: Saudi Arabia hosting major heavyweight boxing events, offering huge purses, drawing crossover fighters, expanding boxing’s geography.
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It illustrates the commercialization of modern boxing: pay-days, celebrity crossover, entertainment value being as important as sporting merit.
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For Joshua and his legacy: this type of fight helps in reinforcing his place among heavyweight stars, especially after previous losses.
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For the heavyweight division: the outcome reshuffles contenders, subjects like who fights who next become more interesting.
FAQs
Q1: When did Anthony Joshua fight Francis Ngannou and what was the result?
A: The fight took place on 8 March 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Kingdom Arena). Joshua defeated Ngannou via knockout in round 2.
Q2: What is Anthony Joshua’s net worth?
A: Estimates vary, but one credible figure lists his net worth at around US$150 million. Others place it lower (around US$100 m) but agree he is among the richest boxers globally.
Q3: How much did Anthony Joshua earn from the Ngannou fight?
A: Reported earnings for the fight suggest Joshua earned around £30 million (≈ US$38-40 m) plus additional income from pay-per-view and bonuses.
Q4: What is Francis Ngannou’s net worth and how did this fight affect it?
A: Prior to the fight, Ngannou’s net worth was estimated at around US$15 million. The Joshua fight added another significant payday, improving his financial standing.
Q5: What’s next for Anthony Joshua after this fight?
A: With the momentum from the Ngannou win, Joshua is positioned to challenge for heavyweight belts again or take on marquee fights. His team is likely targeting top-ranked heavyweight contenders or champions.
Q6: Why did Joshua choose Ngannou as an opponent?
A: The matchup combined commercial appeal (crossover MMA star) with a competitive opportunity. Joshua needed a statement win to regain heavyweight title contention status, and Ngannou offered both risk and reward.
Final Thoughts
For Anthony Joshua, the Ngannou fight represented more than just another win: it was a comeback moment, a financial triumph, and a platform to steer his career back towards the top of the heavyweight division. His net worth and commercial value reflect not only his success in the ring but his status as a global sports brand.
Still, the heavyweight division is stacked and unforgiving—next steps matter. Will Joshua capitalise on the win and challenge for titles again? Will Ngannou fully pivot into boxing or mix disciplines? The story is far from over.
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