British boxer Anthony Joshua crushed former UFC titleholder Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
The two-time world champion defeated the former MMA star by knockout in the second round with a huge right hand.
Cameroonian fighter Ngannou fell to the canvas after a devastating final punch from 34-year-old Joshua, as the crowd erupted at Kingdom Square in Riyadh.
Ngannou, who was stunned and in pain, was able to recover and exchanged words with Joshua, with the victor urging him to “never quit” boxing despite his crushing defeat.
Ngannou was amazed by the power of Joshua's punches. Image: Sky Sports
Joshua praised his opponent in his October bout with Tyson Fury – a bout which the Cameroonian narrowly lost – saying: “When I saw the fight with Fury, I thought this guy can fight, I wanted a piece of that.”
The boxer, who hails from Watford, added that Ngannou was an “inspiration.” [and a] “A great champion” and losing “should not diminish his abilities.”
“He can come again. I told him he shouldn't quit boxing. He's had two fights and he's the best,” Joshua said.
Joshua's reassuring words came after two relentless rounds, in which he slammed Ngannou to the ground twice before flattening him with an unfettered right hand.
Ngannou started the fight well with some early strikes, but he was shaken by the power of the London boxer whose boxing career is still shining.
Anthony Joshua was too strong for Francis Ngannou. Image: Sky Sports
Joshua won his last three fights before accepting a meeting with Ngannou, whose talent and fame turned him into a big-money showdown.
Speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, Joshua said the win was “not satisfactory” and that he was “on to the next fight”.
“The heavyweight division is one of the toughest divisions in the world. It is what it is. People can doubt me, I do my best every time but I am not even happy about winning. On to the next… let's go.”
Next on the cards for Joshua could be the winner of the Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk bout at the same venue on May 18, as he said confidently: “If they want me, they can knock on my door. If they want me, they can knock on my door.” Knock on the door, I say let's go.”
“The baddest man on the planet.”
Eddie Hearn, who has promoted Joshua since his professional debut in 2013, stood proudly next to the winner before saying: “You are looking at the worst man on the planet. The number one heavyweight in the world.
“There's a brilliant fighter out there in Tyson Fury. Please beat Oleksandr Usyk, because you're going to have the biggest fight ever.”
Among the star-studded guests at the event was former Chelsea and Roma coach Jose Mourinho, who fist bumped Joshua after his victory at ringside.
Also present in Riyadh were Brazilian football icon Ronaldo Nazario and his potential future opponent Tyson Fury himself.
