Editor’s word: This text was initially revealed at MMAJunkie.com.
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Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou’s second enterprise within the boxing ring didn’t go in addition to his first, with Anthony Joshua ending the battle early and violently.
The heavyweight boxing bout headlined Joshua vs. Ngannou: Knockout Chaos at Kingdom Enviornment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Joshua (28-3) scored three whole knockdowns within the battle, the final of which put Ngannou (0-2) out chilly at 2:38 of Spherical 2.
The battle began pretty nicely for Ngannou, however it could not final lengthy. He instantly landed a pleasant left hook to start the battle, and continued to supply the identical method within the opening moments. Joshua scored to the physique, after which started learning the space and motion behind a left jab. Ngannou landed a stable proper hand, however issues rapidly turned from there.
Out of nowhere, Joshua blasted Ngannou with a tough proper hand down the pipe, sending the previous UFC heavyweight champ down for the rely. Ngannou gathered himself and returned to his ft to conclude the spherical.
The second spherical started with a calculated strategy from each fighters. Joshua landed a flush proper hand for the primary clear punch of the spherical, however Ngannou continued to press ahead behind a left jab.
Once more, seemingly in a blink, Joshua floored Ngannou with a proper hand. As soon as once more, Ngannou bought to a knee and beat the rely, however the finish quickly adopted.
Joshua didn’t waste time following up after scoring his second knockdown, and instantly completed Ngannou for good with a devastating proper hand. Ngannou folded over, crumbling to the canvas out chilly.
The second that @anthonyjoshua DESTROYED Francis Ngannou 🤯#JoshuaNgannou | #KnockoutChaos | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/ONl1rlhSlo
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 9, 2024
Within the aftermath of the knockout, earlier than the official end result was introduced, Joshua embraced Ngannou and supplied phrases of encouragement.
“Don’t depart boxing,” Joshua mentioned. “… In the event you want something, let me know.”
Completely loving this second between @anthonyjoshua, @Francis_ngannou and @Turki_alalshikh ❤️️#JoshuaNgannou, dwell now worldwide on DAZN. Purchase 𝗡𝗢𝗪 at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv #KnockoutChaos | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/kVqORMyUym
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 9, 2024
Throughout his post-fight interview, Joshua continued these sentiments for Ngannou. Now, he turns his focus to the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, which takes place Might 18.
Ngannou, who entered the competition on the heels of a contentious break up choice loss to Tyson Fury in his boxing debut, is probably going returning to MMA later this 12 months. “The Predator” is anticipated to face Renan Ferreira within the PFL in some unspecified time in the future later this 12 months.
