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:
FOSTER VS. FORD â WEIGHTS AND THE FINAL WORD AHEAD OF TOMORROW NIGHTâS ACTION
Sat, 30 May 2026AWE to Air Live the WBC World Title Rematch of Kevin Lerena v. Ryad Merhy this Saturday
Sat, 30 May 2026Juego Todo exists in two powerful dimensions
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 30 May 2026âThe Homecomingâ Postponed in Vancouver
Sat, 30 May 2026Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar âEl Pupiloâ Collazo to Defend Unified WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Titles Against the Philippinesâ Joey Canoy
Sat, 30 May 2026Canoy now trains at MP Davao for Collazo's fight
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 30 May 2026Johann Chua claims Duya Airplay Sport 5800 Charity Cup Crown, pockets US$50,000 tops prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 30 May 2026âWhile others debate governance, the IBA continues to deliver.â IBA CEO & Secretary General Chris Roberts OBE on the organisationâs resilience and global ambition
Sat, 30 May 2026MP Pro Announces Signed Undefeated Prospects J'Hon Ingram, Amir Anderson, David Lopez, and Kayla Gomez to Compete on "Pugilist Revolution" June 19 in Long Beach, California
Sat, 30 May 2026Canoy to challenge Collazo on June 20
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 29 May 2026UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNIE ALVAREZ RETURNS TO THE RING ON JUNE 13 IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA
Fri, 29 May 202620 Matchups Set for 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management, To Determine 2026 USA Wrestling World Championship Teams
Fri, 29 May 2026RJJ Boxing & âRJJ Saving the Kidsâ Presents World Boxing Association International Middleweight Championship! Natasha âThe Nightmareâ Spence and Maricela âLa Divaâ Cornejo
Fri, 29 May 2026Taguig boxing clinic starts
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 29 May 2026Brico Santig Wins IBF âMost Active Promoterâ Award
Thu, 28 May 2026