Heavyweight superstar Anthony Joshua has been praised for his classy reaction following a brutal knockout of cross-code beast Francis Ngannou, while the “biggest fight in the history of the sport” now looms large.
Joshua knocked down the UFC convert three times in the first two rounds, with the third a thunderous right hand that sent Ngannou to sleep in staggering fashion.
“That was one of the most destructive knockouts I have ever seen,” promoter Eddie Hearn said.
“This man is a savage, a beast, the best heavyweight in the world.”
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But Joshua hardly celebrated the milestone win. It took Cameroonian Ngannou some minutes to recover his feet after receiving oxygen – and even then, he hardly appeared to understand what had happened.
Joshua immediately went to console his beaten opponent, saying: “You’re an inspiration … Don’t leave boxing”.
“If you need anything let me know. We’ll speak another time,” AJ told him, also offering to donate to his charitable foundation.
Joshua then praised Ngannou on the microphone.
“He’s a great champion. This doesn’t take away anything from his capabilities … he can come again,” Joshua said.
“I told him he shouldn’t leave boxing. He can do well. He’s two fights in and he’s fought the best. He can go a long way if he stays dedicated.”
The emphatic victory now sets up a massive clash with the winner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, who do battle in May for Usyk’s WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles and Fury’s WBC belt.
Asked if that will be next fight, Joshua replied: “Yes it is.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “A lot of people say AJ is back. He is beyond back. This is, I think, the best Anthony Joshua we’ve seen in a long time, maybe even ever.”
“I’m so proud of him because there was a huge amount of pressure tonight, people talking about if he loses to Francis Ngannou what happens … he said ‘if we win this fight, we will fight the winner of Fury and Usyk.”
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He continued: “You’re looking at the baddest man on the planet right now. You’re looking at the number one heavyweight in the world, unquestionably. On this form, there’s no man in the world who can beat him in the heavyweight division.
“I told you he’s going to come back, he’s going to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion.
“There’s a brilliant fighter down there, called Tyson Fury. Please, please beat Oleksander Usyk on May 18. Because I promise you this: you will get the biggest fight in the history of the sport when Anthony Joshua takes the undisputed world championship.”
However, Fury and Usyk have a rematch locked in for October, meaning Joshua will likely have to wait.
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