'Don't leave boxing' - Relive Joshua's win over Ngannou (2024)

Bobbie Jackson

All times stated are UK

Posted at 1:13 9 Mar1:13 9 Mar
Thanks and goodbye!
Well that was a fun, albeit long, night.
Thanks for sticking with us into the wee hours of the morning.
We saw Liverpool's Nick Ball go so close to beating Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight title - read the report here.
It ended in a split decision draw but keep your eye out for Ball in the future, the 25-year-old is sure to be back challenging at world title level, especially if promoter Frank Warren has anything to do with it.
Then Joseph Parker beat Zhilei Zhang to claim the WBO interim heavyweight belt, despite the Kiwi twice being knocked down.
Parker confirmed after the fight that he is going to face China's Zhang in a rematch.
And then it was the main event with Anthony Joshua continuing his reputation rebuild in stunning fashion.
Joshua sealed a second round knockout win against Francis Ngannou to put himself in the driving seat to face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, who meet in an undisputed heavyweight contest on 18 May.
Read how it all unfolded between Joshua and Ngannou here.
Posted at 1:13 9 Mar1:13 9 Mar
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Boxing News editor Matt Christie: "That highlighted what happens when a world class heavyweight has a free shot on a sitting duck. Hopefully no need to see that kind of fight again."
Queensberry promoter Frank Warren: "That was a statement from @anthonyjoshua!"
BBC broadcaster and former Olympian Jeanette Kwakye: "AJ in his renaissance era."
Posted at 1:11 9 Mar1:11 9 Mar
'He was setting it up'
Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
Anthony Joshua's trainer Ben Davison, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I didn't want to disrespect Ngannou but he's not been hit by someone like AJ before. He was setting it up. He's an unbelievable competitor and human being.
"We love the sport of boxing, we're passionate and he's passionate. It makes for a great partnership.I'll let people judge whether he is improving. The only way to find out who is the best is to get the winner of Fury and Usyk. That's the only thing that makes sense."
Posted at 1:10 9 Mar1:10 9 Mar
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SMS Message: AJ was classes above tonight and showed why there’s level to this sport. I do think Francis had a bit of luck against a non game Tyson Fury and perhaps the public over estimated his abilities. I think he should go back to MMA. from Anon
AJ was classes above tonight and showed why there’s level to this sport. I do think Francis had a bit of luck against a non game Tyson Fury and perhaps the public over estimated his abilities. I think he should go back to MMA.
SMS Message: Very impressive from Joshua. Done complete opposite of what he's done for a long time. That was absolutely ruthless! from Anon
Very impressive from Joshua. Done complete opposite of what he's done for a long time. That was absolutely ruthless!
Posted at 1:09 9 Mar1:09 9 Mar
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SMS Message: The only explanation for Ngannou switching to south paw after a very encouraging first round is inexperience! Baffling to say the least! Left himself totally exposed needlessly! from Ross
The only explanation for Ngannou switching to south paw after a very encouraging first round is inexperience! Baffling to say the least! Left himself totally exposed needlessly!
See Also
Boxe : Anthony Joshua cède sa couronne mondiale à Oleksandr Usyk Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Briton delivers statement win with second-round knockout Anthony Joshua: Un Champion dans et hors du Ring de Boxe Anthony Joshua contre Francis Ngannou : Le vainqueur pourrait-il se battre pour le titre incontesté ? - BBC News Afrique
Posted at 1:06 9 Mar1:06 9 Mar
Post update
Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
Kal Sajad has been watching the action ringside tonight and you can read his full report here.
It's gone 04:00 in the morning in Saudi Arabia by the way! Fortunately, Anthony Joshua got the job done swiftly.
Posted at 1:01 9 Mar1:01 9 Mar
'You're looking at the number one heavyweight in the world'
Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn, speaking to DAZN: "I'm so proud of him because there was a huge amount of pressure. If we won this fight then he would fight the winner of Fury v Usyk. You're looking at the number one heavyweight in the world.
"On this form, there is no man that can beat him. Tyson Fury please beat Usyk because you will get the biggest fight in the history of the sport. As a fighter, he's an inspiration to young people. What I said would happen, happened. He destroyed Francis Ngannou. He's a beast and I cannot wait for him to beat Tyson Fury."
Posted at 1:00 9 Mar1:00 9 Mar
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UFC featherweight Arnold Allen: "All respect to Francis but that's what should've happened unfortunately, not a great look for Fury."
Posted at 0:57 9 Mar0:57 9 Mar
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Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
MatchroomCopyright: Matchroom
MatchroomCopyright: Matchroom
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Posted at 0:55 9 Mar0:55 9 Mar
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SMS Message: The only explanation for Ngannou switching to southpaw after a very encouraging first round is inexperience! Baffling to say the least! Left himself totally exposed needlessly! from Ross
The only explanation for Ngannou switching to southpaw after a very encouraging first round is inexperience! Baffling to say the least! Left himself totally exposed needlessly!
Posted at 0:53 9 Mar0:53 9 Mar
'I'm just hungry'
Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
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."
Posted at 0:46 9 Mar0:46 9 Mar
Post update
Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
Anthony Joshua is speaking to broadcaster DAZN in the ring right now, we'll bring you his full interview.
"He can come again", Joshua says of Ngannou.
He's in a funny mood tonight after this win. Maybe it's the adrenaline still pumping after such a huge knockout win.
Joshua has done something that WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury was unable to achieve.
That's four wins in a row now for Joshua as he looks to get back to the top of the heavyweight division.
Remember, WBA, WBO and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk and WBC champion Fury meet on 18 May in an undisputed contest.
Has Joshua put himself in prime position to meet the winner?
Fury is still at the side of the ring by the way.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Posted at 0:45 9 Mar0:45 9 Mar
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Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
Adam Smith
Boxing commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live
Everyone talked about Francis Ngannou's power but nobody talked about Anthony Joshua's.
Posted at 0:41 9 Mar0:41 9 Mar
Post update
Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
Nagnnou has returned to his feet and is now stood in the middle of the ring, talking to Joshua.
The pair shake hands and Joshua says "don't leave boxing".
Could this be the last time we see Ngannou in a boxing ring?
He's lost both of his fights but, in fairness, those defeats have come against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and two-time champion Joshua.
Is it a return to mixed martial arts for Ngannou?
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Posted at 0:41 9 Mar0:41 9 Mar
Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
BBCCopyright: BBC
Posted at 0:37 9 Mar0:37 9 Mar
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Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
Adam Smith
Boxing commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live
That was an absolute corker of a shot from Anthony Joshua.
Posted at 0:37 9 Mar0:37 9 Mar
Post update
Joshua beats Ngannou by knockout
Ngannou has only just got back to his feet.
He was lay flat on his back for some time after taking that punch but the medics were quick into the ring to provide treatment.
He's now sat on his stool receiving some oxygen.
Posted at 0:35 9 Mar0:35 9 Mar
BreakingRound two - knockdown
Joshua v Ngannou
Ngannou is down for a second time!
He beats the count.... just!
And then Joshua puts him down with one punch.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Posted at 0:31 9 Mar0:31 9 Mar
Post update
Joshua v Ngannou
Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live
I think we'll see some movement from Joshua at some point and we could see Ngannou having to force it at some points and that could leave some gaps.
Posted at 0:31 9 Mar0:31 9 Mar
Round one
Joshua v Ngannou
Ngannou was looking for that big shot with his right but Joshua was able to stay out of danger.
The knockdown came after Ngannou switched to southpaw and Joshua threw a straight right, landing beautifully on the chin.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

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