Joshua knocks out Ngannou in second round of Riyadh showdown

ByEurosport

Updated 09/03/2024 at 02:00 GMT

Anthony Joshua needed just two rounds to see off Francis Ngannou in their much-hyped heavyweight showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Former UFC champion Ngannou was taking part in just his second boxing match following an impressive display in his debut against Tyson Fury. However, the power of Joshua proved too much with the Brit proving his title credentials once more.

Joshua Ngannou

Image credit: Getty Images

Anthony Joshua produced a fantastic display of pure power to knock out former MMA fighter Francis Ngannou in just the second round of their heavyweight clash in Riyadh.

Ngannou stunned the world when he floored Tyson Fury in October before losing a controversial split decision and was looking for similar against former two-time world champion Joshua.

The Cameroonian started well and threatened with the left hook before partially landing a looping right but he was stunned by a straight right from Joshua that sent him to the canvas in a dramatic opening round.

Both men came out swinging in the second. Joshua ducked under a jab to find a home for another strong right before the same shot floored Ngannou for the second time.

The former UFC champion returned to his feet and carried on but Joshua ended the contest in incredible fashion, marching forward and unleashing a right hand that knocked Ngannou out cold.

It was a fourth successive win for AJ following back-to-back losses and set up a potential future showdown with the winner of May’s unification bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Fury.

Asked what’s behind his recent improvement, Joshua told DAZN: “The Ben Davison performance centre. I appreciate all the guys I’ve worked with and that have shaped me.

“I’m still learning, I’m still pushing, I’m just hungry.

“I’ll speak to my team but I’m just here to fight. Whatever they want me to do I’m down for whatever.”

Asked if he hoped that was either Usyk or Fury for all the belts, he added: “Yes it is.”

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