The 34-year-old British boxer stunned the UFC champion in the opening frame before finishing him off with a stunning right hand in the second, leaving Ngannou unconscious and in need of medical assistance.
Following the bout, Joshua gave Ngannou his due respect and urged him to keep fighting in spite of the defeat.
Anthony Joshua made a powerful statement in the heavyweight division with his dominant second-round knockout victory over Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
The British boxer, 34, floored the UFC champion in the first round and then finished him off with a devastating right hand in the second, leaving Ngannou dazed and requiring medical attention.
After the fight, Joshua expressed his respect for Ngannou’s abilities and encouraged him to continue fighting, despite the loss.
“I wanted some of that,” Joshua said, referring to Ngannou’s recent bout against Tyson Fury. “He’s a great champion and this doesn’t take anything away from his capabilities.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn called for Joshua to face the winner of Fury’s upcoming fight against Oleksandr Usyk, which will determine the undisputed heavyweight world champion.
Joshua, who has now won four times in the past 11 months, is eager to recapture a world title and is looking to his team, including Hearn, to guide his future in the sport.
“In five years, I won’t be fighting anymore,” Joshua said. “Eddie Hearn and my team will shape my future.”
With this impressive victory, Joshua continues to solidify his position as one of the top heavyweights in the sport, and his next move will be closely watched by fans and experts alike.