The most anticipated boxing match between two African Colossus has been done and dusted on Saturday, March 9 (Nigerian time frame), and all Anthony Joshua needed was just two rounds to see off Francis Ngannou in their much-hyped heavyweight showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The former UFC champion Ngannou was taking part in just his second boxing match following an impressive display in his debut against Tyson Fury. However, the power of Joshua proved too much with the Nigerian-British two-times Heavy Weight Boxing Champion proving his title credentials once more.
Ngannou stunned the world when he floored Tyson Fury in November before losing a controversial split decision and was looking for similar against former two-time world champion Joshua.
The Cameroonian started well and threatened with the left hook before partially landing a looping right but he was stunned by a straight right from Joshua that sent him to the canvas in a dramatic opening round.
Both men came out swinging in the second. Joshua ducked under a jab to find a home for another strong right before the same shot floored Ngannou for the second time.
The former UFC champion returned to his feet and carried on but Joshua ended the contest significantly, marching forward and unleashing a right hand that knocked Ngannou out cold.
This would be the fourth successive victory for Joshua following the back-to-back losses and a set up for a future showdown with the winner of the May 18 unification bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.
When asked by a journalist on the ring after his victory the behind his recent improvement, Joshua said: “The Ben Davison performance centre. I appreciate all the guys I’ve worked with and that have shaped me.
“I’m still learning, I’m still pushing, I’m just hungry.
“I’ll speak to my team but I’m just here to fight. Whatever they want me to do I’m down for whatever.”
Asked if he hoped that was either Usyk or Fury for all the belts, he added: “Yes it is.”
