Briton Anthony Joshua delivered probably the most highly effective assertion to the heavyweight division with a harmful second-round knockout win over Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua, 34, floored the UFC champion within the first spherical and early within the second.
A dazed Ngannou rose to his ft in Riyadh however was surprised by an explosive and formidable proper moments later because the referee halted the competition.
The 37-year-old seemed to be out earlier than he even hit the canvas and required medical therapy.
“I am going again to my cage and after they let me out, I am going to battle once more,” Joshua mentioned, as WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury watched on from ringside.
Fury made powerful work of Ngannou in October when he was dropped by the debutant earlier than edging a factors win.
“After I noticed the battle with Tyson Fury I assumed ‘I would like a few of that’. [Ngannou] is a superb champion and this does not take something away from his capabilities,” mentioned Joshua.
“I advised him to not depart boxing. He is two fights in and he is fought the most effective.”
Victory is two-time world champion Joshua’s fourth in 11 months, and retains alive his ambition of recapturing a world title.
Promoter Eddie Hearn referred to as for Joshua, who he has promoted all through the heavyweight’s professional profession, to face the winner of Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
The pair will battle to turn into the undisputed heavyweight world champion in Could, with a rematch later within the 12 months.
“In 5 years I will not be combating,” Joshua added. “Eddie Hearn and my group will form my future.”
