Anthony Joshua dropped Francis Ngannou 3 times inside two rounds … together with a large proper hand that left The Predator out on the canvas!
The 34-year-old former 2x heavyweight champion was sharp from the very begin of the bout … placing 37-year-old Francis down within the first spherical with a tough straight proper. Ngannou returned to his ft and even landed a tough punch in direction of the tip of the spherical.
Within the second, AJ once more knocked Francis down … however the former UFC champ beat the depend, and the spherical continued.
However, simply a short while later, Anthony uncorked a devastating proper that landed flush to Francis’ face, bending him backward (much like the way in which Ngannou stopped Stipe Miocic), and instantly prompting the referee to cease the struggle.
ANTHONY JOSHUA KNOCKS FRANCIS OUT COLD ON THE CANVAS pic.twitter.com/IvlCAjPBu0
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 9, 2024
@SpinninBackfist
No depend wanted.
Ngannou, as docs and medical professionals rushed in, remained down on the canvas for a few minutes … and was even given oxygen.
Fortunately, Francis ultimately received again on his ft, and gave the impression to be okay.
Regardless of lower than 6 minutes of combating, AJ inspired Francis, who pushed Tyson Fury to the brink final yr, to stay with boxing.
🗣️ “Don’t leave boxing!” – AJ tells Ngannou 🤝#JoshuaNgannou #KnockoutChaos
— Ryan Rochford (@RyanRochford_) March 9, 2024
@RyanRochford_
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who has labored with most of the greatest and finest within the sport, known as the KO punch one of many “most destructive knockouts” he’d ever seen.
Now, Joshua plans to attend for the winner of The Gypsy King and Oleksandr Usyk. Francis’ plans are unclear … however he might determine to quickly return to MMA.