Francis Ngannou recently went up against Anthony Joshua and something unexpected came his way. The former UFC heavyweight champion who was infamous for being a knockout machine got hit hard. So hard that Ngannou got knocked out cold.

That’s right, after a brutal first round, Ngannou was already struggling. He got knocked back in the very first round but managed to get back to his feet. The next time around, however, Joshua’s gloves ended up getting the job done. Now, the French-Cameroonian has advice from a friend.

Kamaru Usman wants Francis Ngannou to take it slow

Kamaru Usman is considered one of the greatest welterweights of all time. Francis Ngannou on the other hand has often been named one of the greatest heavyweights out there. However, only one of them got knocked out in a boxing matchup earlier last week.

The knockout came in a second round and was the third and final time Ngannou hit the ground. It was different than his last outing in boxing shorts. This time around, he did not look like he was going blow-for-blow at all. So, as a good friend, Usman gave some advice to ‘The Predator’ on his podcast with Henry Cejudo.

“. . . my advice was just for him would just be to take his time, take your time, at the end of the day no one can tell you when that time is, that appropriate time is because he’s a professional you know.” He said. “Just like I am, just like you are, he’s a professional, he knows his clock, he knows his time, he knows what he’s he’s capable of being able to handle and so I would say just take your time.”

Usman also pointed out how as professionals, fighters often like to get back at the loss. They try to plan their comeback quickly so they can make it back to the “win column” fast. However, for Francis Ngannou who has just faced his first-ever knockout loss, perhaps it’s best to take things slow.

Joshua asks Ngannou to not give up

After a loss such as this one, anyone can be disheartened, especially if you’re a powerhouse such as Ngannou who has never felt the power of a knockout during a professional bout. After his loss, Ngannou looked disoriented and a bit distraught.

Also Read: Francis Ngannou Defies Dana White & UFC Top Brass Over Kamaru Usman’s Request – “I Have a Right”

His opponent, Anthony Joshua approached him after celebrating his win and initiated an important conversation. He told Ngannou to not give it all up, he asked him to keep boxing in spite of the loss. This is, after all, his only 2nd professional boxing bout.

Francis Ngannou took his word to heart and told him that he wouldn’t give up just yet. Clearly, there’s a lot of grit in him still. Will he call for a rematch soon? Let us know your thoughts.

Also Read: UFC 299 Payout: How Much Are Dustin Poirier and Benoit Saint-Denis Earning at the Miami Co-Main Event