There’s nothing but love between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.
Anthony Joshua scored probably the most forceful knockouts you will ever see on Friday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, his devastating right straight sending Francis Ngannou to the mat for a second-round victory. The previous heavyweight champion overwhelmed his MMA fighter-turned-boxer opponent from start to complete of the temporary bout, Ngannou down twice before his epic final blow.
Every knockdown Anthony Joshua landed against Francis Ngannou
— 🌴ᴛʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴏꜰᴡᴀʀ🌴 (@TheArtOfWar6) March 9, 2024
Ngannou, thankfully, quickly regained his senses after the match was called, receiving oxygen from ringside officials. He’s now 0-2 within the ring after falling to Tyson Fury in a controversial split decision last October.
Joshua acknowledged that bout in his post-knockout remarks, noting how impressed he was with Ngannou fighting prowess while showering his 37-year-old counterpart with praise.
“On the path to the championship you must at all times stay focused,” he said, per ESPN’s Mike Coppinger. “This was me stepping except for that mission…But once I saw [Ngannou] and the fight against Tyson Fury, I used to be like ‘rattling, this guy can fight’ so I said I want a chunk of that.
“He’s an inspiration…He’s an important champion. This does not take away anything of his capabilities because in boxing it’s one or the opposite. He can come again.”
Joshua’s love for Ngannou continued in a while social media.
Ngannou, who Anthony Joshua believes should proceed to pursue his skilled boxing profession, also ventured to social media post-fight, apologizing to fans for his “bad day on the office.”
“Sorry guys I allow you to all down 😔 Today was a foul day within the office but tomorrow will likely be one other day. Thanks all for the love ❤️,” he wrote.
Concerning the Creator
Jack Winter is a veteran NBA author and editor based on the West Coast. He currently lives in Oakland, covering the last legs of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty.
