In Saudi Arabia, Anthony Joshua quickly defeated Francis Ngannou with a knockout blow in the second round. It was a swift victory for the 34-year-old Briton, who has been seeking to regain his top form in boxing. This match showcased Joshua's skill and power as he dominated his opponent in Riyadh.
Ngannou generated a lot of buzz as he entered the boxing match, only his second one as a professional fighter. He had previously been a heavyweight champion in the UFC but decided to try his luck in the boxing ring for a change of pace.
In his debut professional match, known as the ‘Battle of the Baddest,’ Ngannou impressed spectators by quickly adjusting to boxing and holding his own against the highly respected Tyson Fury.
However, things took a different turn in his latest fight.
Joshua's power proved to be too much for Ngannou.
Joshua's power proved to be too much for Ngannou.
Joshua wasted no time in taking charge of the fight against the sport's newcomer. He quickly knocked down his opponent with a powerful straight right hand in the first round, gaining immediate control in the Saudi capital.
In the second round, Joshua continued to be aggressive while Ngannou had a hard time keeping up. Joshua landed a combination that knocked Ngannou down once again, with the 37-year-old barely managing to stay in the fight after the referee's count.
At this point, it seemed like the end was near. Shortly after, Joshua gracefully moved across the canvas and delivered a powerful right hand that sent Ngannou tumbling to the ground.
“I should be the WBC heavyweight champion of the world,” a defiant Joshua told reporters after the fight.
Joshua celebrates after defeating Ngannou.
Joshua celebrates after defeating Ngannou.
Fayez Nureldine/AFP/Getty Images
Ngannou showed sportsmanship after his loss, mentioning the key punch and drawing parallels to Fury after the fight.
"He was really impressive because he took me down. He accomplished what Tyson Fury couldn't," Ngannou shared with the press.
Fury-Joshua is the fight that many boxing fans are eagerly anticipating, and with Joshua's recent victory, it seems like it could happen soon.
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, appears to be sure of the outcome of that match.
“Everyone knows he knocks out Tyson Fury, I’ve always believed it now it’s not even questionable,” Hearn told We after the fight.
Editor's P/S:
The highly anticipated boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou lived up to its hype, showcasing the exceptional skills and power of both fighters. Joshua's dominance throughout the fight, culminating in a second-round knockout, was a testament to his determination to regain his top form. Ngannou, despite his impressive debut in the boxing ring against Tyson Fury, could not match Joshua's aggression and precision.
The outcome of this match has fueled speculation about a potential fight between Joshua and Fury, a highly anticipated clash that could determine the undisputed heavyweight champion. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed confidence in Joshua's ability to defeat Fury, adding to the excitement surrounding this potential matchup. As the boxing world eagerly awaits the realization of this dream fight, Joshua's victory over Ngannou has further cemented his status as a formidable force in the sport. in terms of speed, power, and overall boxing prowess. The prospect of a Joshua-Fury unification bout has the potential to be one of the most significant events in recent boxing history, and it will undoubtedly be a match that captivates the attention of sports fans around the globe.