British-Nigerian two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, demonstrated dominance against Francis Ngannou, the Cameroonian mixed martial artist turned boxer, during their encounter on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Saudi Arabia. Joshua, 34, effectively managed the threat posed by Ngannou, delivering two knockdowns and a decisive knockout.
In the opening round and early in the second, Joshua floored the UFC champion, leading to a second-round knockout victory. Ngannou required medical attention as he lay motionless upon hitting the canvas.
Ngannou’s defeat underscored the inherent peril in combat sports, particularly for athletes transitioning from one discipline to another. It also showcased Joshua’s formidable power, contrasting with the challenges faced by WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury against similar opponents.
Ngannou’s commendable performance in his professional boxing debut against Fury in October earned him recognition as a legitimate contender in the heavyweight division. Joshua, who had initially downplayed the prospect of facing Ngannou, acknowledged his opponent’s capabilities following the bout.
The fight, which began at 3:40 am local time in Riyadh, unfolded without the anticipated upset, with Joshua swiftly asserting control over Ngannou. Despite Ngannou’s resilience in round one, Joshua’s prowess proved insurmountable in the subsequent round.
A decisive right hand from Joshua, delivered moments after Ngannou rose from a second knockdown, prompted the referee to halt the contest, rendering Ngannou unconscious. Joshua, in a show of sportsmanship, encouraged Ngannou to continue his boxing career, recognizing his potential after the match.
The victory marks Joshua’s fourth win in 11 months, reaffirming his pursuit of a third world title following his consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine. Speculation now surrounds the possibility of a Joshua matchup against the victor of the undisputed heavyweight title bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk scheduled for May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
(AP)
