Anthony Joshua knocks out Francis Ngannou

Britain boxer Anthony Joshua knocked out UFC legend Francis Ngannou in the second second-round on Saturday.

With this victory he has paved the way to fight the winner of the Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s clash for the undisputed heavyweight championship.

Joshua used his vicious right-hand in the opening round before knocking out the former UFC heavyweight champion twice in the second round.

“When I saw the fight with Fury, I thought damn, this guy could fight, I wanted a piece of that,” said Joshua post-fight. “He is an inspiration, a great champion, and this shouldn’t take away from his capabilities. He can come again. I told him he shouldn’t leave boxing. He’s two fights in, and he’s fought the best.”

Watching this live was something else 🤯

Well done @anthonyjoshua 👏🏽#JoshuaNgannou | #RiyadhSeason | #KnockoutChaos pic.twitter.com/mVk9QB4fAc

— Safwan AhmedMia (@SuperSaf) March 9, 2024

Ngannou headed into the fight with momentum on his back after his debut fight against champions Fury.

Joshua, a former unified world champion, capitalize on his speed and in-ring experience advantage to his favour to assert his authority over the MMA fighter.

“Francis Ngannou beat the WBC heavyweight champion of the world – I should be WBC heavyweight champion of the world,” joked Joshua. “He’s a dreamer, a risk-taker, that story of his should not be clouded by tonight.”

The win moves Joshua to 28-3 in his career.

Ngannou, who has the UFC record of 17-3-0, reacting on his lost apologized to his fans and hinted at his return to the ring.

Sorry guys I let you all down 😔 Today was a bad day in the office but tomorrow will be another day.
Thank you all for the love ❤️

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) March 9, 2024