Two-time world champion Anthony Joshua's promoter has declared him the division's "No. 1" fighter, after the boxer knocked out mixed martial arts star Francis Ngannou in just the second round of their widelyhyped heavyweight clash clash on March 9.
The Briton, 34, had his Cameroonian opponent on the canvas in the first round and twice more in the second in a brutal and brief exhibition of punching power at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Ngannou, 37, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavy weight champion, was taking part in only his second professional boxing match, having lost a split decision to Tyson Fury in an October fight that saw him put the World Boxing Council champion on the canvas in the third round.
"I thought this fight was something for the broadcasters to get behind," Joshua told DAZN.
"When I saw his fight with Tyson Fury, I thought, 'I want some of that'. He is a great champion and this (loss) doesn't take anything away from his capabilities.
This story is from the March 10, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the March 10, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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