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:
ANTHONY JOSHUA VS KRISTIAN PRENGA TO TAKE PLACE IN JEDDAH ON JULY 25 – LIVE ON DAZN – AS HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF IN LONDON
Tue, 02 Jun 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Gets a kick out of British sports fans
Tue, 02 Jun 2026GUSTAVO TRUJILLO CONTINUES HEAVYWEIGHT ASCENT WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND TKO
Mon, 01 Jun 2026Boxing Insider Promotions Brings Regional Card to Tropicana Atlantic City on Saturday, June 13
Mon, 01 Jun 2026Chess, in whatever form, is a great equalizer
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 01 Jun 2026UNBEATEN CRIZTIAN PITT LAURENTE RETURNS TO FACE JING AGUAN IN A LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT HEADLINING SANMAN 101
Mon, 01 Jun 2026Lebosada, Sia rule DSA Open golf
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Jun 2026Davao Chess Eagles in FIDE World Team Rapid & Blitz in Hong Kong
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Jun 2026Pido retains crown, Pulleda wins
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Jun 2026Juarez defeats Valle by split decision to retain WBC belt in El Paso,Texas
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 31 May 2026Jose Sulaiman's 95th birthday is being celebrated with events around the world
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 31 May 2026Filipino referee Danrex Tapdasan is now one of the IBF board of directors
Sun, 31 May 2026Cavite Inter-Town Chess Tournament gets underway
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 31 May 2026Lieutenant Delfin Boholst: Soldier, Boxing Coach, Mentor
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 30 May 2026O’Shaquie Foster vs Raymond Ford: Bad Blood Equals Good Fight
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 30 May 2026