Anthony Joshua brutally knocks out Francis Ngannou in Round 2
Editor’s note: This article was originally published at MMAJunkie.com.
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Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou’s second venture in the boxing ring did not go as well as his first, with Anthony Joshua ending the fight early and violently.
The heavyweight boxing bout headlined Joshua vs. Ngannou: Knockout Chaos at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Joshua (28-3) scored three total knockdowns in the fight, the last of which put Ngannou (0-2) out cold at 2:38 of Round 2.
The fight started fairly well for Ngannou, but it would not last long. He immediately landed a nice left hook to begin the fight, and continued to offer the same technique in the opening moments. Joshua scored to the body, and then began studying the distance and movement behind a left jab. Ngannou landed a solid right hand, but things quickly turned from there.
Out of nowhere, Joshua blasted Ngannou with a hard right hand down the pipe, sending the former UFC heavyweight champ down for the count. Ngannou gathered himself and returned to his feet to conclude the round.
The second round began with a calculated approach from both fighters. Joshua landed a flush right hand for the first clean punch of the round, but Ngannou continued to press forward behind a left jab.
Again, seemingly in a blink, Joshua floored Ngannou with a right hand. Once again, Ngannou got to a knee and beat the count, but the end soon followed.
Joshua didn’t waste time following up after scoring his second knockdown, and immediately finished Ngannou for good with a devastating right hand. Ngannou folded over, crumbling to the canvas out cold.
The moment that @anthonyjoshua DESTROYED Francis Ngannou
#JoshuaNgannou | #KnockoutChaos | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/ONl1rlhSlo
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 9, 2024
In the aftermath of the knockout, before the official result was announced, Joshua embraced Ngannou and offered words of encouragement.
“Don’t leave boxing,” Joshua said. “… If you need anything, let me know.”
Absolutely loving this moment between @anthonyjoshua, @Francis_ngannou and @Turki_alalshikh
#JoshuaNgannou, live now worldwide on DAZN. Buy ???????????? at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv #KnockoutChaos | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/kVqORMyUym
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 9, 2024
During his post-fight interview, Joshua continued those sentiments for Ngannou. Now, he turns his focus to the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, which takes place May 18.
Ngannou, who entered the contest on the heels of a contentious split decision loss to Tyson Fury in his boxing debut, is likely returning to MMA later this year. “The Predator” is expected to face Renan Ferreira in the PFL at some point later this year.