Anthony Joshua will fight Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
This was announced by Matchroom and Queensberry on Friday night.
A date for the fight will be confirmed next week, with a press conference planned for January 15 in London.
On December 23, Joshua continued his quest to return to the top of the heavyweight division with a five-round win over Otto Wallin.
He was to fight Deontay Wilder next, but the American lost to Joseph Parker on the same card.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou knocked down Tyson Fury in his first professional boxing fight last October.
Fury won a split decision, but Ngannou is now ranked in the WBC’s top 10 of heavyweight contenders.
Speaking after his bout against Wallin, Joshua bragged: “I’m down to fight anyone. Whenever and whoever.”
