British boxer Anthony Joshua has overwhelmed former UFC title-holder Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
The previous two-time international champion demolished the ex-MMA celebrity by means of knockout in the second one spherical with a excess proper hand.
Cameroonian fighter Ngannou toppled to the canvas next the harmful ultimate punch from 34-year-old Joshua, because the society in Riyadh’s Kingdom Enviornment erupted.
Dazed and harm, Ngannou controlled to recuperate and exchanged phrases with Joshua, because the victor suggested him “not to leave” boxing regardless of his crushing defeat.
Joshua praised his opponent on his October bout with Tyson Rage – a hit which the Cameroonian narrowly misplaced – pronouncing: “When I saw the fight with Fury, I thought damn, this guy could fight, I wanted a piece of that.”
The boxer who hails from Watford added Ngannou used to be an “inspiration [and] a great champion” and the loss “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,” Joshua mentioned.
Joshua’s phrases of reassurance got here next a continuing couple of rounds, the place he floored Ngannou two times earlier than pulling down him out chilly with an unblocked proper hand.
Ngannou started the battle neatly with a couple of early hits however used to be shaken by means of the may of the Londoner whose boxing occupation continues to radiance.
Joshua gained his latter 3 fights earlier than accepting the assembly with Ngannou, whose skill and identify reputation became it right into a big-money matchup.
Chatting with Sky Sports activities afterwards, Joshua mentioned the victory used to be “not that satisfying” and that it used to be “onto the next” battle.
“The heavyweight division is one of the toughest in the world. It is what it is. People can question me, I do my best every time but I’m not even buzzing about the win. Onto the next… let’s go.”
After at the playing cards for Joshua is also the winner of the Tyson Rage vs Oleksandr Usyk bout which takes playground on the similar venue on 18 Might, as he hopefully mentioned: “If they want me, they can come knocking at my door. If they do knock on the door, I say let’s go.”
‘Baddest guy on the earth’
Eddie Hearn, who has promoted Joshua since his skilled debut in 2013, stood proudly beside the winner earlier than pronouncing: “You are looking at the baddest man on the planet. The number one heavyweight in the world.
“There’s a grand fighter ill there in Tyson Rage. Please beat Oleksandr Usyk, as a result of you are going to get the most important battle of all hour.”
Among the star-studded guests at the event was former Chelsea and Roma boss Jose Mourinho who fist pumped Joshua after his victory by the ringside.
Additionally found in Riyadh used to be Brazilian footballing icon Ronaldo Nazario and possible month adversary Tyson Rage himself.