Anthony Joshua Puts Francis Ngannou to Sleep in the 2nd Round (Photos/Video)
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 09 Mar 2024
In a highly anticipated showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Friday night (Saturday morning in Manila), former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua of the UK delivered a resounding victory over aspiring boxer and former UFC-MMA world champion Francis Ngannou, knocking down the Cameroonian three times en route to a the second round knockout victory.
Ngannou, stepping into only his second professional boxing match, entered the ring with a lot of expectations following a sensational losing performance against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury last October, also in Riyadh where he scored a knock down over the Gypsy king . However, Joshua was determined to assert his dominance and put Ngannou in his place.
From the opening bell, it was clear that Joshua meant business. Demonstrating precision and power, Joshua wasted no time in establishing his range, landing a devastating right straight of Ngannou in the first round, sending him to the canvas as Ngannou switched to a southpaw stance.
The momentum continued in the second round as Joshua relentlessly pursued his opponent. Another thunderous right hand found its mark, dropping Ngannou once again. Despite Ngannou's reputation as a durable and fierce competitor, Joshua's onslaught proved too much to handle. With a crushing blow to the head, Joshua sent Ngannou crashing to the canvas, rendering him unconscious and bringing an emphatic end to the bout.
Following the bout, Ngannou showed tremendous sportsmanship by congratulating Joshua on his victory. With this commanding win, Joshua's record now stands at 28-3-0, with an impressive 25 knockouts to his name. Ngannou is now 0-2 in the most high profile fights of an aspiring boxer and may have to question himself if he's going to continue fighting in the squared circle or in the pentagon.
Looking ahead, Joshua sets his sights on the winner of the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk undisputed title fight scheduled for May, also in Saudi Arabia.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE CROWNING OF BAM: Rodriguez Overcomes Early Storm to Detonate Vargas in Six, Eyes Inoue Super-Fight
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Jun 2026Panamanian superstar Nataly Delgado wins 115lb female WBA world championship in Orlando, Florida
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 14 Jun 2026IBA Bare Knuckle to make historic United States debut in Miami
Sun, 14 Jun 2026Laurente remains undefeated, TKOs Aguan in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 14 Jun 2026Foundation stone laid for the first-ever IBA arena in Dushanbe
Sun, 14 Jun 2026Jerick Faeldonia Wins One Chess Movement Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 14 Jun 2026Bam Rodriguez vs Antonio Vargas & Martinez vs Cardenas Preview and Picks
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 13 Jun 2026Popper vs. Seldon Jr. Official Weights for June 13 in Atlantic City
Sat, 13 Jun 2026GLENDALE, AZ FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR BAM VS VARGAS – LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 13 Jun 2026Undefeated Middleweight Amir Anderson Meets Jonas Sylvain in Battle of Unbeatens on DAZN
Sat, 13 Jun 2026Munsayac, Celones get FMA award
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Jun 2026Weigh-In Results for Sanman 101: Laurente Eyes Home Victory
Fri, 12 Jun 2026Arleah Cassandra Sapuan of Valencia, Negros finishes ninth in Las Vegas chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 12 Jun 2026EVERY WORD FROM THE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF BAM VS. VARGAS IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA
Fri, 12 Jun 2026IBA President warns Olympic movement will fade unless IOC rewards athletes and reforms now
Fri, 12 Jun 2026