Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a display of sheer dominance, former two-time unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua left fans in awe with a brutal second-round stoppage of Francis Ngannou in Riyadh on Friday night (Saturday morning AEST). The highly anticipated clash, fittingly named ‘Knockout Chaos’, showcased Joshua’s unwavering determination to reclaim his position atop the heavyweight division.
Ngannou, known for his stunning debut in boxing by flooring Tyson Fury last October, found himself outmatched against the relentless onslaught of Joshua. The Cameroonian fighter struggled to find his footing as Joshua unleashed a barrage of powerful blows, sending him crashing to the canvas twice before delivering the final knockout punch that left Ngannou sprawled on the ring floor.
The undercard bouts also provided their fair share of excitement, with Joseph Parker clinching the WBO interim heavyweight title after overcoming two heavy knockdowns against Zhilei Zhang. However, controversy marred the WBC featherweight title fight as Nick Ball was denied victory in a contentious split draw with Rey Vargas. Israil Madrimov claimed the WBA super-welterweight crown in a dominant performance against Magomed Kurbanov, adding to the electrifying atmosphere of the night.
In the aftermath of Joshua’s impressive victory, promoter Eddie Hearn expressed unbridled enthusiasm, hailing Joshua as the undisputed top heavyweight in the world.
“This man is a savage, a beast, the best heavyweight in the world and I cannot wait for him to beat Tyson Fury,” remarked Hearn, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster showdown between Joshua and the winner of the upcoming Usyk-Fury bout.
“I cannot wait for him to beat @Tyson_Fury“
Absolutely HYPED @EddieHearn #JoshuaNgannou, live now worldwide on DAZN. Buy at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv#KnockoutChaos | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/pudId3Ej20
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 9, 2024
Joshua himself reiterated his eagerness to face the victor of the Usyk-Fury clash, originally scheduled for February but postponed to May 18 due to Fury’s sparring injury. With both Usyk and Fury holding rematch clauses in their contracts, Joshua may have to wait before securing his shot at undisputed glory. In the meantime, speculation mounts regarding Joshua’s next move, with a potential bout against IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic looming on the horizon.
That mindset of @anthonyjoshua #JoshuaNgannou, live now worldwide on DAZN. Buy at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv#KnockoutChaos | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/v7KdHgrZcB
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 9, 2024
As Anthony Joshua basks in the glory of his resounding victory over Francis Ngannou, attention inevitably turns towards his future path in the heavyweight division. With the tantalizing prospect of a showdown against the winner of the Usyk-Fury clash looming large, Joshua finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his career.
While Joshua’s desire to unify the heavyweight titles burns brightly, the intricacies of contractual obligations and mandatory challengers add layers of complexity to his journey. Should the winner of the Usyk-Fury bout be compelled to vacate the IBF title due to rematch clauses, Joshua could find himself in contention for yet another shot at championship gold.
The prospect of facing IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic presents an intriguing challenge for Joshua, potentially paving the way for a rematch of their previous encounter in London in 2016. As Joshua seeks to consolidate his position at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division, his resolve remains unwavering, his determination unyielding.
Yet, amidst the clamor of potential matchups and future endeavors, Joshua must remain vigilant, ever mindful of the evolving landscape of heavyweight boxing. With each victory, each knockout, he inches closer towards his ultimate goal – to etch his name in the annals of boxing history as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
As the dust settles on his emphatic triumph over Ngannou, Anthony Joshua stands poised on the precipice of greatness, his eyes firmly set on the prize that has eluded him thus far. With the boxing world eagerly awaiting his next move, one thing remains certain – the journey of Joshua is far from over, and the best is yet to come.
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