Anthony Joshua shows heart of champion with touching words to Francis Ngannou after scary knockout

09/03/2024 02:29

Anthony Joshua showed his class after beating Francis Ngannou.

AJ was at his ruthless best as he scored three knockdowns and put the former UFC heavyweight champion to sleep in two rounds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

After Ngannou was checked over by concerned medical staff, Joshua implored him to continue boxing despite suffering his second successive loss in the sport.

'The Predator' pushed WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury to the brink of defeat last October, but he was no match for Joshua at the Kingdom Arena.

Still, the Englishman thinks he's a great addition to the heavyweight division, and he made that much clear during his post-fight interview with DAZN.

“He is a great champion and this doesn’t take anything away from his capabilities,” Joshua said.

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

“It only takes one shot in the heavyweight division. Joseph Parker is one of my favourite fighters, he had it tough and look at him now.

“I’m just doing it while I’m here and making the most of it. In five years I won’t be fighting.

“The people of Cameroon, I appreciate you. Africa united, respect. Everyone here tonight, I appreciate you. Thank you to Francis Ngannou.”

Joshua will now move on to fight with the winner of Fury’s four-belt undisputed fight with WBA, WBO, and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk on May 18.

The heavyweight duo are contracted to rematch later this year before Joshua gets to face the best big man in boxing in an absolute blockbuster.

It’s currently unclear if he’ll sit on the sidelines until then.

Ngannou has a big decision to make after another boxing loss.

PFL want him to return to MMA against their heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira – a 6ft 8in Brazilian knockout artist who recently called him out.

Only time will tell what will be next for both men.