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:
Kenia Enriquez Signs Multi-Year Contract with Latin KO Promotions
Thu, 07 May 2026FM Habla, Madriaga win Armageddon for IIEE-PSME Quezon City in PCAP
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 07 May 2026Undefeated heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor Graduates to 10-rounder this Saturday in Atlanta
Thu, 07 May 2026Jonas Magpantay bags P300,000 with Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer 10-Ball title win
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 06 May 2026Abdullah Mason Returns Home for Lightweight World Title Defense against Joe Cordina July 4 at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center
Wed, 06 May 2026Christopher Guerrero to face Delante Johnson on July 4 at the CSU Wolstein Center in Cleveland!
Wed, 06 May 2026Yanong and Horiike make weight in Japan for OPBF 140 lb. title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 05 May 2026Kulog at Kidlat: Boxing, Art, Thunder and Lightning at the 3rd Pacquiao–Elorde Awards
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 05 May 2026Camique forced to fight after food poisoning; hospitalized after losing by UD
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 05 May 2026Tony Tolj Previews Thunderdome 54
Tue, 05 May 2026Mexican boxing historian Eduardo Lamazón passes away at 70
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 05 May 2026NM Rolly Parondo rules Thailand FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 05 May 2026Wardley vs Dubois: 95% KO Power Collides in Manchester — Winner Gets Usyk Next
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 05 May 2026Former Cuban champions Gamboa and Rigondeaux returns on May 30 in Fort Lauderdale
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 05 May 2026Pido to defend crown in SIGLO 100km Ultramarathon
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 05 May 2026