‘Pending Final Approval’: Unbeaten Fighters Could Be Added to Joshua-Ngannou Card

On Friday, March 8, Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou will headline the “Knockout Chaos” card at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. The undercard is rumoured to be expanding, with Jalol Akhmedov reporting that Magomed Kurbanov (25-0, 13 KOs) and Israil Madrimov (9-0-1, 6 KOs) will clash on the undercard for the WBA super welterweight world title, with Jake Donovan revealing where the fight happens “is pending final approval from the Saudis.” 

Jalol Akhmedov vs. Magomed Kurbanov Could Appear on ‘Knockout Chaos‘ Card

Akhmedov vs. Kurbanov

The bout between the two unbeaten fighters was agreed months ago, as mentioned by Donovan from Ring Magazine. The WBA belt will be at stake wherever the two meet, which means Jermell Charlo has no remaining ties to the 154 division but is still the Ring Magazine champion.

Read More: After Anthony Joshua: Next Step for Francis Ngannou Revealed

Madrimov was close to a title shot when stopped Michel Soro in a late-2021 eliminator – but a clash of heads ended their rematch early, and the Uzbek fighter was left to face Raphael Igbokwe, who he comfortably outpointed.

Read More: ‘This Fight Is My Everything’ – Joshua vs. Ngannou Press Conference 

Kurbanov will be known to British fight fans from when he escaped with a robbery against Liam Smith in 2021. The Uzbek fighter controls the distance well and is adept at finding new angles to launch attacks. His Russian opponent also looks to fight at a distance more than up close, but the variation in attacks from Madrimov makes him the favourite for the fight.

WBA Belt

The WBA title has been held by Charlo since September 2020, despite the Houston fighter being largely inactive, with just a loss to Canelo since his 2022 win over Brian Castano. The reports that the fight between Madrimov and Kurbanov will be for the WBA title – suggest Charlo has given up the belt or has to vacate.