Anthony Joshua has rightfully regained the stature of a revered heavyweight boxer following his incredible triumph over Francis Ngannou in their massive clash. Joshua’s career was temporarily disrupted after two straight losses to Usyk, but this win has put him right back in the conversation for massive fights.
The most impressive aspect of Joshua’s win is how easy he made it look against Ngannou, compared to how hard it was for Tyson Fury to fare against Francis when he took him on last year. This contrast has made Joshua’s stock propel even more rapidly.
Anthony Joshua addressed Francis Ngannou after chilly KO victory
As the bout between Joshua and Ngannou began, the former boxing champion immediately put ‘The Predator’ into the ground with a shattering jab. For the rest of round 1, Ngannou was more focused on evading Joshua’s offense than he was on landing his own. However, a terrifying right hook and a left punch in the final seconds of the second round again knocked Ngannou out. As soon as he got up, Joshua landed a thudding final blow to Ngannou, which put his lights out cold.
Joshua sent a crucial message to his opponent during the post-fight press conference after the fight. Joshua told MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight on Friday, addressing Ngannou, “Donât let this discourage you. Donât let success get to your head, and you should never let failures get to your heart. I think heâs an asset to boxing. I think heâs an asset to the fight game. Donât be discouraged, and I respect you regardless. I said it before, and I still stand on it. I know we had to fight, but I just told him, âKeep your head high.”
He requested that Ngannou not quit boxing immediately after their fight. It was all respect between the two combatants after their memorable showdown.
Whatâs next for Anthony Joshua?
Following his statement-making win over Ngannou, Joshua was asked to comment on what his future looks like in his post fight interview. As he was asked about who he wanted to fight next, Joshua replied by saying, “I just want to fight.” When the commentator asked if it was going to be the winner of Fury vs Usyk whom he faces next, Joshua boldly stated, “Yes it is”. He was vocal in expressing how well he has prepared to be in line for both Fury or Usyk in the leadup to his fight against Ngannou.
Anthony Joshua has put himself back on track and is in line for a potential clash of the ages with either a redemption fight against Oleksandr Usyk, or the long-awaited exchange with Tyson Fury in what could be one of the biggest fights in heavyweight history.
