Francis Ngannou needed medical attention after being brutally knocked out by Anthony Joshua, Reelradio.com.ng reports.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion scored two early knockdowns before closing the show with a massive right hand at ‘Knockout Chaos’ in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday night.
A tentative first round burst into life when Joshua landed a huge straight right hand and dropped Ngannou to the seat of his pants.
‘The Predator’ quickly got back to his knees but took his time to get up and continue fighting against his vastly experienced second boxing opponent.
AJ had Ngannou biting on feints in round two before ultimately dropping him with another punch, and this time the former UFC titleholder looked worse for wear.
As soon as the fight resumed, Joshua closed the show with a monster punch that put Ngannou out cold in a terrifying scene at the Kingdom Arena.
Paramedics stormed the ring to check on Ngannou, who thankfully got back to his feet and was healthy enough to share a post-fight chat with his opponent.
Joshua was caught on camera imploring Ngannou to keep boxing after previously pushing Tyson Fury to the brink of defeat in his first professional bout.
The Cameroonian KO artist didn’t have much to say after the loss, but he is expected to return to MMA for a fight with PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira later this year.
Meanwhile, Joshua will now move on to face the winner of Fury’s upcoming two-fight series with WBO, WBA, and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The heavyweight duo will meet in a historic four-belt fight on May 18 before setting up a contracted rematch in the second half of 2024.
Joshua is due to face the winner, but it’s currently unclear if he will sit on the sidelines and wait to see how things play out between Fury and Usyk.
“It only takes one shot in the heavyweight division,” he said post-fight.
“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.”
