9th March, 2024
By Taiwo Okanlawon
British-Nigerian former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has knocked out his challenger, Francis Ngannou in just the second round of their heavyweight clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Two-time world champion Anthony Joshua had the mixed martial arts star on the canvas in the first round and twice more in the second in a brutal and brief exhibition of punching power in the early hours of Saturday.
Ngannou, 37, a former UFC heavyweight champion, was taking part in only his second professional boxing match having lost a split decision to Tyson Fury in October.
A dazed Ngannou rose to his feet in Riyadh but was stunned by an explosive and formidable right moments later as the referee halted the contest.
The 37-year-old Cameroonian appeared to be out before he even hit the canvas and required medical treatment.
“I’m going back to my cage and when they let me out, I’ll fight again,” Joshua said, as WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury watched on from ringside.
Fury made tough work of Ngannou in October when he was dropped by the debutant before edging a points win.
“When I saw the fight with Tyson Fury I thought ‘I want some of that’. [Ngannou] is a great champion and this doesn’t take anything away from his capabilities,” said Joshua.
“I told him not to leave boxing. He’s two fights in and he’s fought the best.”
Victory is two-time world champion Joshua’s fourth in 11 months, and keeps alive his ambition of recapturing a world title.
Eddie Hearn called for Joshua, who he has promoted throughout the heavyweight’s pro career, to face the winner of Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
The pair will fight to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion in May, with a rematch later in the year.
“In five years I won’t be fighting,” Joshua added. “Eddie Hearn and my team will shape my future.”
With the card running more than an hour later than planned, it was 03:20 local time when master of ceremonies Michael Buffer introduced Ngannou to the ring.
Dressed in a pink and white robe with gold tassels, Ngannou made the solitary walk down the aisle to the tune of ‘God’s Plan’ by Drake.