Short spectacle in Riyadh: Former world champion Anthony Joshua knocks out boxing newcomer Francis Ngannou with a brutal knockout. The fight ends in the second round
Demonstration of power in Saudi Arabia: Former world champion Anthony Joshua has knocked out former MMA star Francis Ngannou with a memorable knockout. The Briton won the boxing match in Riyadh on Saturday night in the second round.
Joshua knocked the Cameroonian down with a hard right hand in the very first round. Ngannou looked badly battered, but got back up again
This is definitely the most DEVASTATING right hand in boxing AnthonyJoshua JoshuavsNgannou boxing pic. twitter.com/LGZJlpVe35
– Nathan Armstrong (@Nath_Arm) March 9, 2024
In round two, Joshua followed up with another right hand. Ngannou went down again, was counted out, but managed to get back to his feet. A few seconds later, however, it was over: Joshua went for the knockout and ended the fight with the hardest straight of the short evening
Joshua: “He fought the best “
Ngannou, who had given world champion Tyson Fury a hard time last October, had completely collapsed under the blow and took a while to recover.
“I told him not to give up boxing. He’s had two fights and he’s fought the best,” said Joshua, who according to media reports collected 50 million dollars (46 million euros) for the fight and celebrated his 28th victory in his 31st fight.
After his victory, the 34-year-old had a knockout with star coach José Mourinho, among others, who had been watching from beside the ring. Legends such as Ronaldo and Francesco Totti were also present
Joshua against Fury?
After his career stalled due to defeats against the Ukrainian WBA, WBO and IBF champion Alexander Usyk (37), Joshua wants to get back among the top contenders for a world heavyweight title fight. The clear success immediately sparked speculation about a mega-fight against either Usyk or Fury, who will duel in Saudi Arabia in May.
“You’re looking at the number one heavyweight in the world,” Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn immediately sounded: “There’s no man who can beat him in this form. Tyson Fury, please beat Usyk because you’re going to get the biggest fight in the history of the sport.”
It was only the second professional boxing match for Ngannou. Last October, the former UFC champion had surprisingly sent WBC world champion Fury (35) to the ground and brought him to the brink of defeat.
