- Francis Ngannou has spoken moments after losing his sophomore boxing match to heavyweight British boxer Antony Joshua
- The much-anticipated Anthony Joshua vs Ngannou heavyweight boxing lived up to the hype
- This match was held on Friday night March 8 in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh
Francis Ngannou has spoken moments after losing his sophomore boxing match to heavyweight British boxer Antony Joshua.
The much-anticipated Anthony Joshua vs Ngannou heavyweight boxing clash lived up to the hype as Joshua silenced doubters.
This match was held on Friday night March 8 in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh. Joshua delivered a dominant performance, silencing doubters with a second-round knockout victory over the former UFC heavyweight champion.
How Did Francis Ngannou Vs Anthony Match go Down?
Coming into the fight, both fighters carried contrasting narratives. Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, was seeking redemption after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
His focus was laser-sharp, aiming to reclaim his place at the top of the heavyweight division. Ngannou, on the other hand, was making only his second professional boxing appearance after a decorated career in the UFC.
Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo/MMA Junkie – USA
Known for his devastating knockout power, he hoped to translate his MMA prowess into the boxing ring and upset the established champion with a knockout in the second round.
Speaking of this powerful punch, Francis Ngannou said he never saw it coming nor was it painful as much it knocked him out instantly.
“In fact, I didn’t feel the punch. I think that’s what the knockout is about. I don’t feel any pain. That’s how I know I was knocked out,” he told journalists after the match.
What Happened to Francis Ngannou After Knockout by Antony Joshua?
Ngannou, the deposed UFC king, was left starched on the canvas after a thunderous right-hand punch from Joshua.
DAZN reported he needed oxygen before regaining his feet. Joshua’s dominance was clear from the start. He scored knockdowns in both the first and second rounds before delivering the final blow at 2:38 of the second, silencing any doubts about his return to form.
A rather jovial Francis Ngannou cheekily described Joshua’s final punch as superb adding that Joshua did it well compared to Tyson Fury.
Fury fought Ngannou in October 2023 where he knocked down Fury and took it home.
“He did what Tyson Fury couldn’t. It wasn’t my day and (Joshua) was just way better than me today,” he added.
Following the loss, 37-year-old Ngannou expressed a need to process the fight before making any decisions about his future. He did not rule out a return to MMA which is his staple but also indicated that he is done with boxing yet.
“But you can be sure that I’m not done here. Absolutely not. I’m not done,” he said in reference to boxing.
Antony Joshua Vs Ngannou Showdown
The first round was a cautious chess match. Ngannou, known for his explosive power, surprisingly opted for a more measured approach.
Joshua, wary of Ngannou’s knockout threat, used his jab effectively to control the distance and establish a rhythm. Both fighters landed a few glancing blows, but the round ended without any significant damage.
The second round saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Just over a minute into the round, Joshua landed a perfectly timed right hand that sent Ngannou reeling.
Francis Ngannou was knocked out in the second round by Antony Joshua. Photo/USA Today
Sensing vulnerability, Joshua pounced, unleashing a vicious left hook that crumpled Nganou to the canvas. The referee initiated a ten-count, but Ngannou was out cold, his championship dreams shattered.
The roar of the crowd erupted as Joshua celebrated his emphatic return to form. Joshua’s victory was a statement of intent. He showcased his improved technical skills, footwork, and ring generalship.
The knockout itself was a thing of beauty, telling of his power and precision. This win opened a new chapter in the heavyweight division.
Ngannou’s performance left many questions unanswered. His decision to fight cautiously in the first round was puzzling, especially considering his reputation as a destructive knockout artist.
Despite the loss, Ngannou’s raw power and athleticism remain undeniable. Moreover, Antony Joshua vs Ngannou fight also rewrote a chapter in heavyweight boxing.
The influx of talented fighters from other combat sports like MMA is adding a fresh dimension to the division. Fans can expect exciting matchups and potentially historic rivalries in the coming years.
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