Dominant Joshua knocks out Ngannou in second round

In Saudi Arabia, British boxer Anthony Joshua made a resounding statement to the heavyweight division, securing a powerful second-round knockout victory over Francis Ngannou.

Joshua, 34, knocked down the UFC champion in both the first and second rounds.

Despite a dazed Ngannou rising to his feet in Riyadh, an explosive and formidable right from Joshua stunned him, leading the referee to stop the contest.

The 37-year-old appeared to be out before hitting the canvas and required medical attention.

"I'm going back to my cage, and when they let me out, I'll fight again," Joshua stated, with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury watching ringside.

Reflecting on the fight with Tyson Fury in October, Joshua acknowledged that he desired a similar challenge, stating, "[Ngannou] is a great champion, and this doesn't take anything away from his capabilities."

The victory marked Joshua's fourth in 11 months, reigniting his quest to recapture a world title.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, called for a matchup between Joshua and the winner of the upcoming Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight, set to determine the undisputed heavyweight world champion.

Joshua added that his future would be shaped by Eddie Hearn and his team in the next five years.

The fight in Saudi Arabia, set against the backdrop of critics accusing the Kingdom of using sporting events for 'sports washing,' showcased Joshua's smart and technical fighting style.

In the early hours in Riyadh, Joshua's experience prevailed, delivering a message to rival Fury. The card, billed as 'knockout chaos,' drew attention from notable figures, including Amir Khan, Manny Pacquiao, Jose Mourinho, and Ronaldo.

Joshua attributed his improvement to trainer Ben Davison and called for a matchup with the winner of Fury vs. Usyk to determine the best in the division.

Francis Ngannou's journey from working in a sand quarry in Cameroon to becoming a UFC champion and facing Joshua in a boxing ring adds another chapter as he plans to return to MMA later this year with the PFL.