Anthony Joshua Vs Francis Ngannou: Briton Claims Statement Win With Second-Round Knockout - In Pics

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua stopped Francis Ngannou in the second round on Saturday, dominating his matchup with the ex-UFC heavyweight champ. Joshua floored Ngannou in the first round and again in the second with right hands at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. He finished the fight with one punch immediately after the second 10-count, apparently knocking Ngannou out cold with an unblocked right hand. The 37-year-old Ngannou eventually got up to his stool, but the mixed martial arts star was dazed and clearly hurt after his encounter with Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) in only his second pro boxing match. Joshua and Ngannou embraced and talked afterward. Joshua has held multiple world heavyweight titles in a successful professional career following his gold medal-winning performance in the London Olympics, but the Englishman had to rebuild his reputation after losing his three title belts in the first of consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. Now 34, Joshua won his last three fights before accepting this meeting with Ngannou, whose talent and name recognition turned it into a big-money matchup.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 9 March 2024 1:08 pm

Saudi Arabia Boxing Joshua vs Ngannou | Photo: AP

British former world champion Anthony Joshua, center, celebrates after winning the fight against Francis Ngannou during the heavyweight boxing showdown at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia Boxing Joshua vs Ngannou | Photo: AP

British former world champion Anthony Joshua, celebrates with his father Robert after winning the fight against Francis Ngannou during the heavyweight boxing showdown at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia Boxing Joshua vs Ngannou | Photo: AP

British former world champion Anthony Joshua, is seen on a screen after his fight with MMA fighter Francis Ngannou during the heavyweight boxing showdown at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia Boxing Joshua vs Ngannou | Photo: AP

British former world champion Anthony Joshua, center, celebrates after winning the fight against Francis Ngannou during the heavyweight boxing showdown at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia Boxing Joshua vs Ngannou | Photo: AP

British former world champion Anthony Joshua, left, and MMA fighter Francis Ngannou fight during the heavyweight boxing showdown at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia Boxing Joshua vs Ngannou | Photo: AP

British former world champion Anthony Joshua, left, and MMA fighter Francis Ngannou fight during the heavyweight boxing showdown at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia Boxing Joshua vs Ngannou | Photo: AP

British former world champion Anthony Joshua, left, and MMA fighter Francis Ngannou fight during the heavyweight boxing showdown at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia Boxing Joshua vs Ngannou | Photo: AP

British former world champion Anthony Joshua, left, and MMA fighter Francis Ngannou fight during the heavyweight boxing showdown at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia Boxing Joshua vs Ngannou | Photo: AP

British former world champion Anthony Joshua, arrives to fight with MMA fighter Francis Ngannou during the heavyweight boxing showdown at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.