According to promoter Eddie Hearn, a win could take Joshua one step closer to fighting for the undisputed world title.
There is a two-fight deal in place for champions Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, also in Riyadh – and the winner of that will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.
But Hearn says if Joshua beats Ngannou, the world will be calling for him to take on Fury.
The more likely scenario for Joshua, should he beat Ngannou, would be challenging for the vacant title against Croatia’s number-one ranked IBF fighter Filip Hrgovic.
It is also another huge opportunity for Ngannou to establish his presence on the boxing circuit.
“AJ knows how to box, Ngannou knows how to fight. This is the perfect cocktail for something special,” said Bunce.