Boxing: British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, floors Cameroun’s Francis Ngannou in second round

British Nigeria boxer, Anthony Joshua, has delivered a crushing blow to Francis Ngannou’s short-lived boxing career with a spectacular second-round knockout victory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, had gained attention in 2023 with his impressive performance in his boxing debut against Tyson Fury.

Despite ultimately losing to Fury, Ngannou showed remarkable skill and resilience, even managing to knock down the reigning champion during the fight.

However, Ngannou’s encounter with Joshua proved to be a different story altogether.

In just two rounds, Joshua asserted his dominance in the ring, delivering devastating blows that sent Ngannou to the canvas multiple times, to win inside two rounds.

Following the fight, Joshua extended words of encouragement to Ngannou, urging him not to abandon boxing despite the crushing defeat.

“I told him not to leave boxing. He’s two fights in and he’s fought the best,” Joshua stated, acknowledging Ngannou’s potential in the sport.

The victory marks Joshua’s fourth win in 11 months, further fueling his ambition to reclaim a world title in the heavyweight division.

As Joshua celebrated his triumph, WBC champion, Tyson Fury, watched on from the ringside, adding to the spectacle of the event.

With Ngannou likely to return to MMA following his defeat, Joshua expressed his readiness to continue his journey in boxing. “I’m going back to my cage and when they let me out, I’ll fight again,” Joshua declared, reflecting on his future in the sport.