Boxing: Anthony Joshua Reacts To Knocking-Out Ex-UFC Champion Francis Ngannou In Saudi Arabia. {WATCH THE FULL FIGHT}

Anthony Joshua knocked out former-UFC Champion Francis Ngannou dropping him in the 2nd round, something that WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury was unable to achieve.

The fight between British professional boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua and Cameroonian and French professional mixed martial artist Francis Ngannou is trending on social media.

Joshua produced one of the finest performances of his career in a devastating knockout of Ngannou in Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, Saudi Arabia.

The 34-year-old, dropped Ngannou twice before a crushing third knockdown pinned Ngannou to the canvas in an emphatic stoppage.

Coming into the contest on Friday night, Ngannou was standing in only his second boxing bout having floored heavyweight lineal champion Tyson Fury in an eventual decision loss in his debut in October last year.

Many, including Joshua, believed that Ngannou had won the bout after sending the 'Gypsy King' crashing to the canvas with a stunning knockdown.

After his boxing debut against Fury, the former UFC star loved the taste of the sport (and millions of dollars) to the point of booking his next fight almost immediately. Only this time, his opponent is Anthony Joshua and arguably the biggest challenge of his career to date.

Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) defeated Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017 to win the IBF and WBA heavyweight titles. Joshua added the WBO belt by defeating Joseph Parker a year later but then lost the titles to Andy Ruiz Jr. in June 2019. He regained them in the rematch six months later and made one defense before losing back-to-back fights to Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua had been expected to face Deontay Wilder, but Wilder lost a unanimous decision to Parker in December, opening the door for Ngannou.

Joshua who had been ready throughout the entire year and wants to prove his losses against Oleksandr Usyk were a mistake, had his eye on victory to set up a potential fight with WBC champion Fury, which now seems inevitable given the manner of the victory.

That's four wins in a row now for Joshua as he looks to get back to the top of the heavyweight division.

Fury will face Oleksandr Usyk – the WBA, IBF and WBO champion – in their rearranged May 18 bout that will crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 2000.

Anthony Joshua speaking to DAZN after knocking out Francis Ngannou: "On the road to the championship, you should always stay focussed. I thought this was something for the broadcasters to get behind. When I saw the fight with Tyson Fury I thought I want some of that. He is a great champion and this doesn't take anything away from his capabilities. I told him not to leave boxing. He's two fights in and he fought the best.

"The Ben Davison performance centre, I appreciate them highly. All of these guys that I worked with until this day. I'm just hungry. Stay hungry and all that good stuff.

"It only takes one shot in the heavyweight division. Joseph Parker is one of my favourite fighters, he had it tough and look at him now. I'm just doing it while I'm here and making the most of it. In five years I won't be fighting.

"Eddie Hearn and my team will shape my future. I'm going back to my cage and when they let me out, I'll fight again.

"The people of Cameroon, I appreciate you. Africa united, respect. Everyone here tonight, I appreciate you. Thank you to Francis Ngannou."

Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou reportedly earned $20 million from his fight against Anthony Joshua. He also earned $10 million from the Tyson Fury fight.

Joshua earned $50 million from the fight. He has made $30 million from two boxing matches. He only made $3.5 million from 14 UFC fights in 7 years. 

WATCH THE FULL FIGHT!

Francis Ngannou vs Anthony Joshua FULL FIGHT 🔥#JoshuaNgannou #KnockoutChaos #Fury #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/cq75wNWmeE

— ableton MMA (@ableton_mma) March 9, 2024