Anthony Joshua secured a second-round knockout victory over Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, avoiding a remarkable upset against the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Joshua’s win propels him closer to a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, as he aims to become a three-time world champion.
In a dominant display, Joshua first sent Ngannou to the canvas with a powerful right hand in the opening round.
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He then proceeded to knock down Ngannou twice more in the second round, with the final knockdown leaving Ngannou unable to continue.
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Now, Anthony Joshua sets his sights on a potential shot at becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion, with Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk in his crosshairs.
Displaying superior speed and assertiveness, Joshua dominated the opening exchanges, flooring Ngannou with a powerful right hand and controlling the pace with feints that confounded the MMA-convert.
In the second round, Joshua capitalized on Ngannou’s southpaw stance, delivering a series of punishing right fists that sent his opponent to the canvas twice more.
The final blow left Ngannou unconscious and requiring medical attention.
This victory brings Joshua’s career record to 28-3 and sends a clear message to Fury, who was seated ringside following his own victory over Ngannou late last year.
Joshua wasted no time in expressing his desire to face the winner of the upcoming Fury vs. Usyk bout, scheduled for May 18.
He also credited his relationship with trainer Ben Davison for reigniting his knockout instincts and fueling his resurgence.
With footage emerging of Joshua practicing the decisive blow that ended the fight in his dressing room before the main event, it’s clear that Joshua approached the Ngannou challenge with utmost seriousness, avoiding the pitfalls of underestimation.
“Francis Ngannou beat the WBC heavyweight champion of the world – I should be WBC heavyweight champion of the world,” Joshua said.
“He’s a dreamer, a risk-taker, that story of his should not be clouded by tonight.”
Anthony Joshua spoke to DAZN post-fight.
“On the road to the championship, you should always stay focused.
“I thought this was something for the broadcasters to get behind. When I saw the fight with Tyson Fury I thought I want some of that.
“He is a great champion and this doesn’t take anything away from his capabilities. I told him not to leave boxing. He’s two fights in and he fought the best.
“The Ben Davison performance centre, I appreciate them highly. All of these guys that I worked with until this day. I’m just hungry. Stay hungry and all that good stuff.
“It only takes one shot in the heavyweight division. Joseph Parker is one of my favourite fighters, he had it tough and look at him now.”I
“‘m just doing it while I’m here and making the most of it. In five years I won’t be fighting.”
“Eddie Hearn and my team will shape my future. I’m going back to my cage and when they let me out, I’ll fight again.
“The people of Cameroon, I appreciate you. Africa united, respect. Everyone here tonight, I appreciate you. Thank you to Francis Ngannou.”
He said: “I thought this was something for the broadcaster to get behind, But when I saw him [Ngannou] fight Tyson Fury, I said I wanted some of that.
“He’s an inspiration, this takes nothing away from his capabilities.
“He can do boxing, he can go a long way. He’s fought the best.”
Joshua added: “I’m still learning still pushing. I’m still hungry.
“I don’t know if I’m coming into my peak. But it only takes one second in the heavyweight division.”
“If that was me, you’d have been saying I should retire!”
What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?
Anthony Joshua is set to face the winner of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight, as confirmed by Joshua himself: “Yes it isss!”
Eddie Hearn, speaking in the ring after Joshua’s victory, hailed him as the “baddest man in the world” and declared him the best in the heavyweight division.
He urged Fury to defeat Usyk, as it would set up the biggest fight in the history of the sport.
Hearn praised Joshua’s work ethic and dedication, predicting that he would continue his unbeaten streak.
Hearn described Joshua’s knockout of Ngannou as one of the most destructive he had ever seen and expressed his anticipation for a potential Joshua vs. Fury matchup.
Tyson Fury up for the bout.
Tyson Fury is open to the prospect of facing Anthony Joshua after his bout against Oleksandr Usyk. Speaking to DAZN, Fury has expressed interest in the potential matchup.
“Once I’m done with the rabbit, I’ll take on AJ.
“Hopefully, we can do one in Saudi Arabia and one at Wembley!”
Although, Fury knows Usyk can impact the chances of it happening.
“I’m sure Oleksandr Usyk will have something to say something about that,” he continued. “I had a s*** performance against Ngannou.
“AJ did absolutely fantastic and lit him up with a right hand. If he fights me after I beat Usyk twice then it will be a different game.”
This victory marks a significant moment for Joshua, who has silenced doubts that arose after his consecutive losses to Usyk.
It was Joshua at his most formidable, showcasing his formidable fists and unwavering belief in his ability to reclaim his position at the top of the heavyweight division. In this form, few would dare to question him.
