Anthony Joshua issues three-word message to Tyson Fury after devastating Francis Ngannou knockout

Anthony Joshua issues three-word message to Tyson Fury after devastating Francis Ngannou knockout

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 09/03/2024

- 01:08

Updated: 09/03/2024

- 07:49

Anthony Joshua delivered one of the most brutal heavyweight knockout blows in recent history in his win over Francis Ngannou.

Anthony Joshua gave a straight and simple answer to who he wants to fight next after delivering an explosive knockout win over Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.

The British heavyweight boxer has been on the comeback charge ever since losing his belts to Oleksandr Usyk.


Last year saw Joshua get back on track with three consecutive wins before he took up the surprise option to fight Ngannou.

The bout was seen as a risk for Joshua after the MMA star came extremely close to an upset win over Tyson Fury in October.

Francis Ngannou was knocked out in the second round

Francis Ngannou was knocked out in the second round

DAZN/GETTY

But Joshua didn't make the same mistake as his compatriot with a measured start to the fight and showed his boxing prowess with a brutal knockdown in the first round.

Ngannou showed heart by getting back to his feet, but worse was to come in the second round.

Joshua delivered another powerful punch to put Ngannou down once more with the Cameroon-born fighter looking dazed as he got up a second time.

But Joshua made sure his opponent wouldn't get up again with a savage right hand knocking Ngannou out cold and leaving the 37-year-old needing oxygen.

Attention quickly turned to Joshua's next goal and when asked whether his target is to fight the winner of Usyk and Fury, he simply replied: "Yes it is!

"This is the thing with boxing, it only takes one shot in the heavyweight division.

"You should always keep searching for better. For me, I don't know if I'm coming into my peak, I'm pushing day by day.

"Who knows where it will take me. Imagine in five years I won't be fighting any more, this will all be said and done, so I'm trying to make the most of it.

"I'm just here to fight. I'm going to go back to my cage, lock myself away, and I'll be let out to fight again. I just want to fight."

Francis Ngannou was knocked out cold

Francis Ngannou was knocked out cold

GETTY

Joshua also paid respect to Ngannou and the impact he's made on the sport of boxing in such a short space of time.

"It is what it is," said Joshua.

"When I saw the fight with Fury, I thought damn, this guy could fight, I wanted a piece of that.

Anthony Joshua is ready for his next challenge

Anthony Joshua is ready for his next challenge

GETTY

"He's an inspiration, a great champion, and this shouldn't take away from his capabilities.

"He can come again. I told him he shouldn't leave boxing. He's two fights in, and he's fought the best.

"He can go a long way if he stays dedicated."

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