A battle of two heavyweights ended quickly Friday night, with a boxing veteran taking care of a rookie.
Anthony Joshua faced ex-UFC star Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia Friday night, and Joshua was, understandably, the favorite.
Joshua, a two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, was fighting in his 31st professional boxing match, while Ngannou, a former UFC world heavyweight champ, was making just his second pro appearance in the ring.
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Anthony Joshua punches Francis Ngannou during a heavyweight fight at the Kingdom Arena March 8, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Ngannou impressively knocked down current WBC heavyweight champ Tyson Fury in his debut fight in October, but he eventually lost the bout by a narrow split decision. The fight drew the attention of boxing fans everywhere, including Joshua.
However, Joshua dominated this one from the start, knocking Ngannou to the canvas in round one.
Ngannou got up easily the first time but was clearly shaken after getting up a second time in as many rounds. Joshua then wasted no time.
Francis Ngannou is knocked down for the third time, and referee Ricky Gonzalez stops the fight and checks on him during Ngannou’s heavyweight fight against Anthony Joshua at the Kingdom Arena March 8, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Seconds after Ngannou stood up, the Brit threw a vicious right hook, folding Ngannou like a lawn chair, knocking him out cold and ending the fight.
Broadcasters said Ngannou needed an oxygen tank.
“He’s a great champion, and this doesn’t take away anything from his capabilities,” Joshua said of his opponent after the fight. “He can come again. I told him he shouldn’t leave boxing. He can do well. He’s two fights in, and he’s fought the best. He can go a long way if he stays dedicated, but it’s up to him.”
Francis Ngannou is knocked down for the third time, and referee Ricky Gonzalez checks on him during Ngannou’s heavyweight fight against Anthony Joshua at the Kingdom Arena March 8, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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Joshua moved to 28-3 in his career with 25 knockouts.
The fight came a day after it was announced Jake Paul would fight Mike Tyson in Dallas on Netflix.
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