anthony joshua Dropped Francis Ngannou Three times within two rounds…including a huge right hand that left the Predator on the canvas!
The 34-year-old former 2x heavyweight champion was sharp from the get-go, knocking down the 37-year-old Francis with a brutal straight right in the first round. Ngannou got back to his feet and landed some hard punches towards the end of the round.
In the second, AJ knocked Francis down again…but the former UFC champion beat the count and the round continued.
But just moments later, Anthony hit a devastating right hand. It hit Frances in the face, causing her to arch backwards (just as Ngannou stopped her) Stipe Miocic), immediately urging the referee to stop the match.
Anthony Joshua pummels Francis on the canvas pic.twitter.com/IvlCAjPBu0
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 9, 2024
@spininbackfist
No counting required.
Ngannou remained crouched on the canvas for several minutes as doctors and medical professionals rushed to the scene and was given oxygen.
Thankfully, Frances eventually got back on her feet and seemed to be okay.
Despite fighting for less than 6 minutes, AJ encouraged Francis and Francis pushed. Tyson Fury Last year, he was pushed to the brink to continue boxing.
🗣️ “Don’t leave boxing!” – AJ says to Ngannou 🤝#Joshua Ngannou #knockoutchaos
— Ryan Rochford (@RyanRochford_) March 9, 2024
@RyanRochford_
promoter eddie hearnwho has worked with many of the greatest and best fighters in the sport, called this KO punch one of the “most devastating knockouts” he had ever seen.
Now, Joshua will wait for the winner of Gypsy King. Oleksandr Usyk. Francis’ plans are unclear, but he could decide to return to MMA temporarily.