Anthony Joshua, boasting a professional record of 28-3, including 25 knockouts, delivered a stunning performance against Francis Ngannou, securing a second-round knockout victory. Joshua showcased his dominance by flooring Ngannou twice, first in the opening round and then again in the second, with powerful right-hand punches.
The decisive knockout blow, a perfectly timed right hand, came immediately after the second 10-count, rendering Ngannou unable to continue and sealing a triumphant win for Joshua. Despite displaying courage and resilience, Ngannou, a 37-year-old Cameroonian fighter, was visibly dazed and overpowered by Joshua’s superior boxing skills.
Ngannou’s venture into boxing, only his second professional match after a narrow split decision loss to Tyson Fury last October, highlighted the vast difference in boxing experience between the two fighters. Although Ngannou managed to land some solid shots early in the bout, Joshua’s prowess quickly turned the tide in his favor, culminating in a decisive victory.
This win signifies a significant milestone for Joshua, who has been working to rebuild his reputation following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, resulting in the forfeiture of three world heavyweight titles. Joshua’s victory over Ngannou reaffirms his status as a top-tier boxer in the heavyweight division and demonstrates his readiness for future high-profile matches.
With the bout concluded in Riyadh, boxing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Joshua’s next steps, speculating on potential matchups that could further enhance his legacy in the sport.