The night labelled ‘Knockout Chaos’ reaches its grand finale as Francis Ngannou makes just his second professional boxing fight against Anthony Joshua. Ngannou shocked the world as he dropped WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October in an unlucky, narrow loss to the Gypsy King. Tonight represents an opportunity for the former MMA star to prove his impressive showing against Fury was no fluke.
For Joshua, the former heavyweight boxing champion, has a chance to demonstrate he is still good enough to wrestle back his lost crowns. Having won his past three fights, should the Briton dispatch of Ngannou with ease, he will no doubt call out Fury for an all-British classic.
Like Ngannou’s clash with Fury, this is a 10-round bout and set to have as many fireworks outside of the ring as inside. The winner will likely have the chance at some point to face the winner between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk scheduled for May 18. The winner of Fury vs Usyk will become the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since Lennox Lewis.
Joshua and Ngannou start their ringwalks…
Ngannou walks out with Drake’s ‘God’s Plan’ blasting – the former MMA star may well be the heavy underdog but will have a plan to stop Joshua. The pressure to win is all on Joshua, the 27-3 fighter, who labelled this fight a ‘gimmick’ just a year ago. He walks out with a blank expression, focused on the task ahead of him. Michael Buffer does his usual introductions and the night’s final chaos gets underway.
Joshua vs Ngannou – Round 1
The bell rings and Ngannou throws a left hook instantly. Ngannou looks spritely and throws often, although not landing particularly effectively. Joshua bides his time and then drops Ngannou with a huge right hand through the Cameroonian’s defence. Ngannou is shocked after his early confidence but gets up before the count. Some statement from Joshua.
JOSHUA KNOCKS NGANNOU OUT
Ngannou looks jittery and slightly spooked by Joshua, falling for every feint the Briton throws. Joshua again lands a strong right hook, albeit not as clean as the previous round. Joshua throws another one-two and drops Ngannou again. Ngannou gets up again, just to be floored by Joshua in brutal fashion. Ngannou is knocked out in the second round.
Joshua and Hearn relays his thoughts on the fight
Speaking to broadcaster DAZN after the fight, Joshua opened with: “It is what it is.”
The boxer from Watford remained humble and respectful of his opponent after the fight, telling him to remain in boxing. As for his own plans, AJ is focused on becoming world champion again.
He said: “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’. Ngannou is a great champion and this doesn’t take anything away from his capabilities. I told him not to leave boxing.”
Eddie Hearn described the fight as one the ‘most destructive knockouts’ he had ever seen before labelling Joshua as the best heavyweight in the world. He said: “I’m so proud of Joshua because there was a huge amount of pressure. If we won this fight then he would fight the winner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. You’re looking at the number one heavyweight in the world.”
Usyk and the on-watching Fury may have words of disagreement.
A recap of the day’s events
‘Knockout Chaos’ – Joshua the king as day of boxing ends in ruthless fashion
Anthony Joshua capped off the card labelled ‘Knockout Chaos’ with a knockout worthy of the event’s name. Dropping Ngannou twice, before the eventual thundering stoppage in the second round, represented Joshua’s best performance in years and a sign he is getting back to his best.
Earlier, Joshua Parker outmanoeuvred Zhilei Zhang to win a majority decision even after being dropped by the big, Chinese fighter twice.
Nick Ball may feel unlucky to have drawn his bout with Rey Vargas but will likely have another shot at the WBC featherweight world title. Israil Madrimov and Mark Chamberlain secured impressive victories after Kevin Lerena lost valiantly to Justis Huni.
Main card results:
- Anthony Joshua beats. Francis Ngannou by KO in round 2
- Joseph Parker beats Zhilei Zhang by majority decision
- Rey Vargas and Nick Ball draw with Vargas keeping his title
- Israil Madrimov beats. Magomed Kurbanov by TKO in round 5
- Mark Chamberlain beats Gavin Gwynne by KO in round 4
- Justis Huni beats Kevin Lerena by unanimous decision
