In a highly anticipated matchup at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua emerged victorious over ex-UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou. The fight, which took place on Saturday, saw Joshua dominate Ngannou, ultimately stopping him in the second round.
Joshua showcased his boxing prowess by flooring Ngannou twice, first in the opening round and then again in the second with powerful right hands. The fight culminated with Joshua delivering a decisive blow that appeared to knock Ngannou out cold, leading to the end of the match.
Despite Ngannou's previous strong showing against Tyson Fury in a narrow split decision loss last October, Joshua's experience and skill were evident throughout the bout. Joshua, with a professional record of 28-3 and 25 knockouts, demonstrated his superiority in only his second pro boxing match.
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, struggled to withstand Joshua's relentless attacks and was visibly dazed and hurt after the fight. The 37-year-old Ngannou, known for his MMA background, faced the harsh reality of competing against a seasoned boxing veteran like Joshua.
Joshua, a multiple world heavyweight titleholder, had to rebuild his reputation following losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. However, he showcased his resilience by winning his last three fights before taking on Ngannou in this high-stakes matchup.
Ngannou, who transitioned to pro boxing last year after a successful MMA career, had shown promise in the ring, particularly in his bout against Fury. Despite his defeat, Ngannou's performance against Fury highlighted his potential as a legitimate contender in the heavyweight division.
The fight, which drew significant interest from fans and viewers, took place in the early hours of the morning to accommodate global audiences. In addition to the main event, the undercard featured notable matchups, including Joseph Parker's comeback victory and a split draw in the WBC featherweight championship bout.
Overall, Joshua's victory over Ngannou solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world, while Ngannou's foray into boxing continues to intrigue fans and pundits alike.
