Anthony Joshua takes Francis Ngannou to the cleaners
Anthony Joshua secures victory over Francis Ngannou with a second-round knockout in Saudi Arabia, averting a potential upset against the former UFC heavyweight champion.
How did it happen?
Ngannou is floored three times during the match, propelling Joshua one step closer to a potential showdown with Tyson Fury.
In a riveting showdown, Anthony Joshua showcased his prowess with a devastating second-round knockout against Francis Ngannou, extinguishing any hopes of a remarkable upset.
The opening round saw Joshua assert dominance, flooring Ngannou with a powerful right hand.
The momentum continued in the second round, where Ngannou faced two more knockdowns, ultimately succumbing to a knockout that stands as the pinnacle of Joshua’s career.
This commanding victory follows earlier statement stoppages over Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin, reigniting Joshua’s pursuit of another shot at a world title.
How instrumental is this triumph for Joshua?
The anticipation surrounding a potential clash with the winner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s bout for the undisputed heavyweight championship has intensified with Joshua’s resounding triumph.
The win not only solidifies Joshua’s path toward becoming a three-time world champion but also adds a compelling chapter to the unfolding narrative in the heavyweight division, promising an electrifying future for boxing fans.
Reflecting on the fight, Anthony Joshua expressed admiration for Tyson Fury, stating, “When I saw the fight with Fury, I thought damn, this guy could fight, I wanted a piece of that.”
Joshua acknowledges Fury as an inspiration and a great champion, emphasizing that his victory over Ngannou shouldn’t diminish Fury’s capabilities.
In a supportive gesture, Joshua encouraged Ngannou not to leave boxing, highlighting his potential for future success despite facing formidable opponents early in his career.
Joshua believes Ngannou can go a long way if he maintains dedication to the sport.
Anthony Joshua wasn’t distracted as he maintains demeanor throughout the week’s pageantry, and he translated that mindset into a knockout clinic, providing Francis Ngannou a ruthless exposure to the true world of heavyweight boxing.
Anthony Joshua knocks Ngannou out
Despite Ngannou’s impressive debut performance against Fury in October, Joshua was in no mood for drama as he asserted his authority from the opening exchanges.
Displaying superior speed, Joshua left Ngannou on his backside with a bruising right hand in the first round. He continued to punish Ngannou’s southpaw stance in the second, securing a knockout victory with a series of powerful right fists. Mourinho, ringside to witness the explosive win, congratulated Joshua on his dominant performance.