Joshua's demolition of Ngannou underlines danger of crossover bouts | Donald McRae

09/03/2024 14:54

British fighter offered an impressive display of clinical efficiency in Riyadh but these events should not happen

The sudden end was as shocking as it was predictable. Francis Ngannou, a very good heavyweight champion in the contrasting world of mixed martial arts, walked slowly and unsteadily towards Anthony Joshua. He had already been knocked down twice before in his second bout as a professional boxer. Joshua, an Olympic gold medallist and a two-time former heavyweight champion of the world, stepped forward to close the show. He knocked out the reeling novice with a cold and ruthless finish.

In the early hours of Saturday morning in Riyadh it was totally expected and yet still strangely alarming. Joshua had so much time he could plant his feet, take aim and unleash a ferocious overhand right that stuck Ngannou so forcefully on his temple that he began slipping into unconsciousness as he slumped to the canvas. Within seconds, he was stretched flat on his back. The referee, waving his left arm frantically to signal the fight was over in the second round, ran to his rescue.