Early in the hours of Saturday, in a highly anticipated clash of titans, two-time world champion and boxing sensation Anthony Joshua emerged victorious in a thrilling match against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
The showdown, which took place at the Riyadh Kingdom Arena, captivated fans worldwide as two of the world’s most formidable fighters squared off in the ring.
Joshua and Ngannou displayed their power and athleticism from the opening bell, exchanging fierce blows in an electrifying display of skill and determination. However, Joshua asserted his dominance early on, landing a series of punishing jabs and hooks that left Ngannou reeling.
Despite Ngannou’s formidable reputation as a knockout artist in the octagon, Joshua’s superior boxing technique and ring savvy proved to be the difference. As the fight progressed into the second round, Joshua continued to press the action, relentlessly pursuing Ngannou and refusing to give him any breathing room.
In a stunning turn of events, Joshua dazed Ngannou with a devastating right that sent Ngannou crashing to the canvas, prompting the referee to intervene and halt the contest. The victory cements Joshua’s status as one of the most dominant heavyweights in boxing today.
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Adding to the intrigue of the match was Ngannou’s recent bout with Tyson Fury, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion. Just four months earlier, Ngannou had faced off against Fury in a highly anticipated showdown, narrowly losing by a split decision in a fiercely contested battle.
In the fight’s aftermath, Joshua declared he’d be ready for a fight anytime and anywhere as Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, watched on from ringside. He said, “I’m going back to my cage, and when they let me out, I’ll fight again.”
In a show of sportsmanship, Joshua said to Francis, “Don’t let success get to your head, and you should never let failures get to your heart.”
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In light of Joshua’s victory, British sports promoter Eddie Hearn has called for Joshua’s next challenge to be against the winner of Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, scheduled for the 18th of May 2024.