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:
PHILBOXING.COM THURSDAY ROUNDUP: Scale Shock in Pattaya, Red Sea Staredowns, and Final Countdown to Sydney
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Thu, 23 Jul 2026USA Boxing Sends Eight Boxers to Italy for International Duel
Thu, 23 Jul 2026P248k prize on the line in Moon Cake Festival Pro Amateur 10-ball tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 23 Jul 2026Super Lightweight Contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin Inks Promotional Pact with Top Rank
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Thu, 23 Jul 2026DUELING TUNE-UPS: Joshua and Fury Play High-Stakes Chicken Across Asia with November Mega-Fight Hanging in the Balance
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026Chavon Stillwell and Izaiah Dent Put Their Perfect Records on the Line in a Can't-Miss Main Event at BiYu Promotions' "Fights Under the Lights"
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026Unbeaten Bizhamov faces Mironchikov in IBA Pro 20 main event in Naberezhnye Chelny
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026Cuarto ready to fight Paradero
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 22 Jul 2026CHAVES DEFENDS WBO LATINO TITLE AGAINST GARCIA AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ ON SEPT 4
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026Undefeated Middleweight Prospect Sebastian Juarez Returns August 8 Against Rance Ward
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and WBC Cares visits Pedro Fiorito Hospital in Avellaneda, Argentina
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 22 Jul 2026COLD SHOULDER IN SYDNEY: Spence and Tszyu Trade Snubs and Staredowns at Grand Arrivals Launch
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026Suarez, Lewkowicz Ask the WBO to Enforce Navarrete Rematch and Begin Negotiations Immediately
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 21 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 20 JULY 2026: Papot Outpoints Eubank; Pacheco Stops Aleem; Suarez Smokes Avila in One Round
By Eric Armit, Tue, 21 Jul 2026Fiery Exchange at Fanatics Fest: Garcia and Benn Nearly Brawl in New York Ahead of Sept. 12 Title Clash
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026