Since Francis Ngannou went the distance of 10 rounds against Tyson Fury in his debut match last year, many expected ‘The Predator’ to deliver yet another spectacular performance against Anthony Joshua. Meanwhile, calling himself “the underground king,” Ngannou even declared he would knock out ‘AJ’ with a clean shot. However, Joshua, labeling Ngannou as his “main focus,” considered the fight his “everything“.
Similarly, ‘AJ’ fought the fight, living up to his and his coach, Ben Davidson‘s expectations. In only the second round of the match, Anthony Joshua put Francis Ngannou to sleep. On that note, following the event, several professional boxers took to social media and lauded Joshua’s boxing.
Claressa Shields, Devin Haney, Nico Ali Walsh, and others praise Anthony Joshua’s stunning treatment of Francis Ngannou
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After the bell rang, Anthony Joshua, despite being patient, did not waste his time. He kept Ngannnou, who hopes to have a rematch with Fury, surprised and guessing for as long as the duo fought. In the first round of the fight, after Ngannou shifted to the southpaw stance, Joshua measured the range and hit the former with a fast right hand to score the first knockdown of the fight. In the second round, with less than a minute left, ‘AJ’ knocked ‘The Predator’ down for the second time. And right after Ngannou stood up on his feet, Joshua landed a solid cross on Ngannou’s chin, which saw the latter’s soul leave the body.
Reacting to Joshua’s win, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, Nico Ali Walsh, said, “Really hope Francis is okay. No surprise by Joshua…”
Really hope Francis is okay. No surprise by Joshua…
— Nico Ali Walsh (@nicoaliwalsh) March 9, 2024
On the other hand, Claressa Shields said, “Wow, boxing wins again.” However, she also appreciated Francis Ngannou’s efforts.
Wow, boxing wins again 😬 congrats @anthonyjoshua ! And great efforts by @francis_ngannou
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) March 9, 2024
Meanwhile, KSI wrote, “What a KO Anthony Joshua. YOU ARE HIM!”
Tyson Fury’s stock has now dropped tremendously.
What a KO Anthony Joshua. YOU ARE HIM!
— ksi (@KSI) March 9, 2024
In a similar tone, Sunny Edwards, said, “That’s a bad knockout.”
That’s a bad knockout
— 20-1Sunny (@SunnyEdwards) March 9, 2024
According to Stephen Espinoza, the result of Fury vs. Ngannou “said more about Fury than Ngannou.” In his opinion, it is not that Ngannou is an extraordinary boxer but, Fury did not fight ‘The Predator’ like he should have had in 2023.
Like I've been saying, the Fury-Ngannou result said more about Fury than Ngannou. But most people seemed intent on making it about something that it wasn't.
— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) March 9, 2024
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Finally, Devin Haney extended his congratulations to Joshua’s coach, Ben Davidson.
Congrats boys.. job well done 🤲🏽 @BenDavison_ @leewylieboxing
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) March 9, 2024
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Also Read – Francis Ngannou Will Struggle Against Anthony Joshua, Explains Trainer Ben Davidson
With that said, what do you have to say about Anthony Joshua’s KO win over Francis Ngannou? Do you think the cross he landed on Francis was impressive? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. For more boxing updates, follow EssentiallySports!