By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-03-09 11:08:39
Cameroonian boxer Francis Ngannou found himself on the receiving end of a devastating knockout punch delivered by Anthony Joshua during their highly anticipated bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Joshua emerged victorious with a second round knockout win, showcasing his superior skill and power in the ring.
The fight started with Joshua landing a clean right hand in the opening round that sent Ngannou to the canvas. Despite this early setback, Ngannou managed to beat the count and continue the fight. However, Joshua wasted no time in the second round as he landed another powerful right hand that once again dropped Ngannou, ultimately ending the fight.
Reflecting on his defeat, Ngannou expressed admiration for Joshua’s knockout victory, acknowledging that Joshua was the better fighter that night. He even went on to compare Joshua’s performance to that of WBC champion Tyson Fury, noting that Joshua was able to achieve what Fury could not.
In his post-fight comments, Ngannou revealed that he didn’t feel the impact of the knockout punch, emphasizing his resilience and fearlessness in the face of pain. Despite the loss, Ngannou maintained a positive attitude and recognized that defeat is simply a part of the game, especially in the competitive world of boxing.
On the other hand, Joshua credited his victory to the unpredictable nature of boxing, especially in the heavyweight division where one powerful punch can change the course of a fight. The Olympic gold medalist stressed the importance of continually pushing oneself to improve and evolve as a boxer, never settling for mediocrity.
The fight between Joshua and Ngannou also caught the attention of Tyson Fury, who was in attendance at the event. There has been speculation about a potential showdown between Joshua and Fury, but Fury first has to face Oleksandr Usyk in May 2024 before a fight with Joshua can materialize. When asked about his target for the future, Joshua confirmed that he is eyeing the winner of the Fury vs. Usyk bout as his next opponent.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of upcoming matches and potential future matchups, Joshua’s impressive victory over Ngannou serves as a reminder of his exceptional talent and determination in the ring. With his sights set on becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion, Joshua continues to prove himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of boxing.
