Anthony Joshua knocks out Francis Ngannou in second round

Nigerian born British boxer Anthony Joshua delivered a powerful statement in Friday’s heavyweight bout in Saudi Arabia after knocking out his Cameronian counterpart, Francis Ngannou in the second round.

Joshua, 34, had knocked down Ngannou in the first round, before delivering another knockout punch at 2:38 of the second round.

The knockout blow, a powerful right hand, left Ngannou out cold, as the former UFC champion went down on the canvas for more than a minute needing oxygen.

The defeat is a stunning setback for Ngannou, who knocked down Tyson Fury during his pro debut in October and looked impressive in a split-decision loss. But Joshua, the two-time world champion, was in control from the outset.

Speaking in front of WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, who watched on from ringside, Josua said: “After the match, I’m going back to my cage and when they let me out, I’ll fight again.”

He added: ”When I saw the fight with Tyson Fury I thought ‘I want some of that’. [Ngannou] is a great champion and this doesn’t take anything away from his capabilities.

“I told him not to leave boxing. He’s two fights in and he’s fought the best.”

The impressive victory is Joshua’s fourth in 11 months, and it keeps alive his ambition of recapturing a world title