Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua dealt Francis Ngannou a crushing defeat, halting the MMA star’s pursuit of crossover stardom with a second-round knockout on Friday in Riyadh. Joshua’s decisive victory, accomplished with a powerful right overhand punch, showcased his dominance in the ring over Ngannou, who was left unconscious after the fight.
Joshua’s record of 28-3, with 25 knockouts, solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world. Ngannou, on the other hand, suffered his second loss in the boxing ring, with a professional record of 0-2 but a notable MMA record of 17-3. Despite the defeat, Joshua applauded Ngannou’s fighting spirit and labeled him as an inspiration and a great champion, acknowledging the talent and skill that Ngannou possesses.
Prior to the bout, Joshua expressed his respect for Ngannou and vowed not to underestimate him, highlighting the importance of taking his opponent seriously. Ngannou, who had shown promise in his professional boxing debut, faced a tough challenge against Joshua, who controlled the fight from the outset.
The match between Ngannou and Fury in October had ended in controversy, with Fury narrowly escaping with a split decision victory. Despite the setback, Ngannou’s return to the ring was highly anticipated, as fans wondered if he could bounce back and secure a rematch with Fury in the future.
With the defeat potentially impacting Ngannou’s chances of a rematch with Fury, who is set to defend his title against Oleksandr Usyk, the road ahead for Ngannou remains uncertain. Usyk, who defeated Joshua in 2021 and 2022, poses a formidable challenge for any heavyweight contender seeking a shot at the title.
As the boxing world awaits the outcome of future matches, the spotlight shines on Joshua and the potential for a blockbuster fight with Fury or Usyk. Promoter Eddie Hearn hinted at the possibility of a showdown between the winners of recent matches, setting the stage for a highly anticipated match-up in the heavyweight division.
Joshua remains focused on his training and preparation for future bouts, emphasizing the importance of his team in shaping his career trajectory. As he retreats to reflect and strategize for his next fight, Joshua’s determination and dedication to the sport are evident, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling chapter in the world of professional boxing.