Francis Ngannou gives new reason for brutal Anthony Joshua KO and delivers verdict on boxing future

14/03/2024 12:54

Francis Ngannou has revealed he felt off-colour before his KO loss to Anthony Joshua, but insists it isn’t an excuse.

‘The Predator’ took on AJ in his latest boxing fight, but was brutally knocked out cold in the second round, having been knocked down twice prior to the winning punch.

It was a tough night for Ngannou who had shown so much promise in his boxing debut, knocking down Tyson Fury in a narrow points win.

He was left flat on his back against Joshua however, and paramedics stormed the ring in order to give him medical treatment.

The Cameroon star was unable to replicate his previous success, and he has suggested he didn’t feel 100 per cent when making his way to the ring.

In an Instagram live stream, he told fans: “I remember being in the locker [room] trying to warm up, and bro, it wasn't going well.

“I was falling asleep. I'm sweating, but I was falling asleep. But I am sure that is how some people that I have fought and have beaten have been before.

“No blame on anybody, the blame here is all on me. It is the game unfortunately. We all knew it could happen[the KO].

“I wasn’t seeing it happen like that, but I always knew it could happen. At least, I was always prepared for that.”

Ngannou went on to confirm he will seek boxing redemption once receiving further medical treatment and clearance to resume training.

“I was conscious right after [the knockout], and since then everything's been good. Still going to run some medical work, just in case.

“Right now, I don”t know exactly what fight I”ll be looking for next. I know that I”m going to take some time to rest up, focus on myself, and then when I”m ready, I will get back to training.

“It's not over yet – not at all, We're just getting started. The only thing that we will miss this year is time, and I think we have some good amount of time ahead of us.

“Going to take some time for myself, chill, spend time with my family, my friends and then come back ready.”

Ngannou took the defeat bravely and has refused to make excuses, with Joshua showing huge respect after the final bell.

It is unclear exactly what lies in store for Ngannou, who could be set to make a return in the MMA cage under his new promotion PFL.

One option for a boxing return could come against Dillian Whyte who returns on March 16 against Christian Hammer.

The ‘Body Snatcher’ was critical of the ex-UFC champion’s performance, and insisted he would also stop Ngannou if they met in the boxing ring.

Despite the loss, a bright future still lay in waiting for Ngannou who will still no doubt be involved in the Saudi boxing infrastructure going forward.