Anthony Joshua knocks out Francis Ngannou with vicious finish against former UFC heavyweight champio

Anthony Joshua secures victory over Francis Ngannou with a second-round knockout in Saudi Arabia, preventing a remarkable upset against the former UFC heavyweight champion. Ngannou is knocked down three times, propelling Joshua one step closer to a potential showdown with Tyson Fury.

Anthony Joshua secured a knockout victory over Francis Ngannou with a powerful second-round finish, extinguishing any hopes of a sensational upset. The three-time world champion dominated the fight by delivering a brutal right hand in the opening round, followed by two more knockdowns in the subsequent round. The final knockdown left Ngannou incapacitated and counted out.

This marked the most devastating knockout in Joshua's career, following impactful stoppages against Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin. This win reignited his quest for another chance at a world title.

The prospect of a significant prize had been a focal point during the buildup in Saudi Arabia, and with this victory, it is anticipated to open the path for a potential title shot against the winner of the Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk undisputed heavyweight championship clash.

Anthony Joshua inspiration

Throughout the week, Joshua maintained a laser-focused demeanor amidst the festivities and assurances. This focused approach persisted as he executed a clinic in knockouts, providing Ngannou with a stark introduction to the harsh reality of heavyweight boxing.

Ngannou entered the bout with the momentum from an impressive debut against Fury in October, where his surprising third-round knockdown in a defeat to the WBC champion secured him another lucrative opportunity in the ring. As 4 am approached in Saudi Arabia, Joshua showed no inclination for additional theatrics.

The former unified world champion showcased his superior speed in the initial exchanges, delivering a powerful right hand that left Ngannou on the canvas, setting the tone for the fight. Joshua established his dominance with well-executed feints, leaving the MMA-convert struggling to anticipate his moves.

In the second round, Joshua capitalized on Ngannou's southpaw stance, landing a forceful right fist that resulted in another knockdown. Moments later, he sealed the victory with another powerful right, leaving his opponent unconscious and requiring attention on the floor.

In a light-hearted comment, Joshua remarked, "Francis Ngannou beat the WBC heavyweight champion of the world - I should be WBC heavyweight champion of the world." He acknowledged Ngannou as a dreamer and risk-taker, emphasizing that tonight's outcome should not overshadow the narrative of Ngannou's journey.

Improvement for Anthony Joshua

The victory propels Joshua's career record to 28 wins and 3 losses, serving as another emphatic declaration of his intentions, especially in the presence of Tyson Fury, seated ringside. This comes after Fury's hard-fought split-decision win over Ngannou at the end of the previous year.

Without hesitation, Joshua expressed his eagerness to face the winner of the upcoming Fury and Usyk bout scheduled for May 18. He also acknowledged the significant impact of his partnership with trainer Ben Davison, attributing the resurgence of his lethal knockout instincts to their collaboration. This revival aligns with the ruthless knockout style that marked the early success of the Olympic champion's career.

Impact of Joshua victory

If Tyson Fury had underestimated the challenge posed by Ngannou, Anthony Joshua made sure to show the 37-year-old the respect he had rightfully earned in his initial appearance.

This gesture conveyed a clear message on another significant night for Joshua, who opened the door to exciting opportunities, silencing doubts that had arisen after consecutive losses to Usyk two years ago. Joshua demonstrated his formidable skills, combining potent punches with unwavering confidence, reaffirming his belief in a potential return to the pinnacle of his discipline. In this determined mindset, few would dispute his capability.