In the main event of today’s boxing spectacle in Saudi Arabia, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou took on Anthony Joshua in a highly anticipated showdown.
The bout, named ‘Ngannou vs. Joshua’, was scheduled for ten rounds in the heavyweight division.
Francis Ngannou (17-3 MMA, 0-2 Boxing) had previously made his professional boxing debut in October, facing off against reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Despite being considered a significant underdog, ‘The Predator’ stunned the audience by knocking down ‘The Gypsy King’ and taking the fight to the judges’ scorecards.
Although Ngannou ultimately suffered a split decision loss, his performance garnered widespread acclaim, elevating his standing in the boxing world.
Anthony Joshua (28-3), the British heavyweight, had most recently competed at last month’s ‘Day of Reckoning’ event, where he secured a fifth-round TKO victory over Otto Wallin. This win marked Joshua’s third consecutive victory, following triumphs over Robert Helenius and Jermaine Franklin.
The ‘Joshua vs. Ngannou’ matchup turned out to be largely one-sided. Joshua asserted his dominance early in the opening round, dropping Ngannou with a powerful left jab and maintaining control throughout the fight.
Demonstrating superior speed and technical prowess, the British boxer sealed the deal with a decisive right hand that sent ‘The Predator’ to the canvas in round two.
Enjoy the show ☝🏿 #JoshuaNgannou pic.twitter.com/22wMOfBAVI
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) March 8, 2024
Official Result: Anthony Joshua defeats Francis Ngannou via KO at 2:38 of Round 2
Following the fight, reactions poured in from professionals and fans alike:
JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) expressed support for Ngannou.
🤯 @Tyson_Fury predicts a FIRST ROUND AJ WIN #JoshuaNgannou, live now worldwide on DAZN. Buy 𝗡𝗢𝗪 at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv#KnockoutChaos | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/YfXQ2DGLkK
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 9, 2024
Tyson Fury (@Tyson_Fury) predicted a first-round victory for Joshua.
bjpenndotcom shared anticipation for the fight.
Post-fight reactions reflected a mix of disappointment and concern for Ngannou:
Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) acknowledged the inevitability of Joshua’s victory.
Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) and JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) expressed concern for Ngannou’s well-being.
https://t.co/3HCYuh0Fwk pic.twitter.com/p12nijiQG9
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) March 9, 2024
Wonderboy Thompson (@WonderboyMMA), Paige VanZant (@paigevanzant), Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse), and KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) offered their reactions to the knockout.
Looking ahead, fans speculated on Joshua’s next opponent following his impressive victory over Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
