Anthony Joshua in his abilities have erased every lingering doubt after the British superstar delivered a thunderous knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday, leading to his victory. It took Joshua less than two rounds to put away Ngannou and he did so in style with a pair of knockdowns before the emphatic final blow. 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 but was stunned by an explosive and formidable right moments later as the referee halted the contest. The 37-year-old 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.”
Eddie Hearn called for Joshua, whom 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.
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