Anthony Joshua: VS francis ngannou knockout| Highlights

Introduction

On March 8, 2024, one of the most electrifying heavyweight boxing matchups in recent memory took place when Anthony Joshua faced Francis Ngannou in Knockout Chaos at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While many doubted how the former two-time unified heavyweight champion would fare against a former UFC heavyweight king, Joshua reaffirmed his elite status with a seismic knockout victory. This article provides the most comprehensive breakdown of the fight—highlighting each round, knockout details, key moments, reaction, and implications for both fighters.

Fight Setup: Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou

Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) headed into the fight searching for a defining moment in his career. After rebounding from setbacks, including losses to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua looked revitalized following his fifth-round knockout of Otto Wallin in December 2023. His clash with Francis Ngannou promised size, power, and drama. 

Francis Ngannou (0-1 in boxing) had only one professional boxing bout under his belt—an explosive split decision loss to Tyson Fury in October 2023. Despite the loss, Ngannou’s performance stunned fans, as he dropped the world heavyweight champion and showed he belonged in the ring’s elite sphere. 

The anticipation was palpable: could Ngannou make history by dethroning a boxing legend, or would Joshua’s refined skillset and power prevail? Let’s break down how that showdown unfolded.

Knockout Highlights

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: Early Domination

From the opening bell, Joshua took command of the ring. With crisp footwork and precise jabs, he dictated the pace against Ngannou, who showed athleticism but lacked the refined boxing technique of his opponent. Midway through the round, Joshua landed a clean straight right hand that sent Ngannou to the canvas for the first time. Though Ngannou beat the count, he visibly struggled to regain stability. 

Round 2: Crushing Power

Ngannou showed heart by surviving the first knockdown and tightening his defence. But Joshua’s timing and power were too much. He landed another massive shot early in the second, flooring Ngannou a second time. Ngannou rose again, demonstrating resilience, but was unable to get his footing back. Moments later, Joshua unleashed a thunderous right hand that connected flush—sending Ngannou flat on his back, out cold. The referee called a halt shortly after, marking perhaps the most brutal finish of Joshua’s career. 

The Knockout Sequence

What made this knockout so stunning wasn’t just the force, but how it unfolded:

• Punch Placement: Joshua’s straight rights were set up perfectly off his jab, keeping Ngannou off-balance.

• Timing: Joshua exploited openings created as Ngannou tried to counter.

• Execution: The final blow landed clean, with Ngannou unable to defend.

This moment will be replayed in highlight reels for years to come, capturing Joshua’s boxing IQ and elite punching power against an opponent known for raw athleticism rather than technical boxing prowess.

Technical Breakdown: Why Joshua Won Big

Superior Boxing Fundamentals

Unlike Ngannou, whose combat experience stems primarily from MMA striking, Joshua’s background is rooted in the Sweet Science. His:

• Footwork

• Ring generalship

• Combination setups

…kept him in control despite Ngannou’s size and power. Joshua’s ability to consistently maintain distance and land accurate punch combinations was central to his success.

Conditioning and Stamina

Though short in duration due to the knockout, Joshua looked comfortable through both rounds. His conditioning allowed him to maintain crisp punch output without fatigue, crucial in capitalizing on openings when they came.

Ngannou’s Performance: More Than Just Power

Francis Ngannou entered as the underdog but wasn’t overmatched. Against Tyson Fury in his boxing debut, he proved he could hang with top talent. Ngannou’s size, reach, and aggression posed threats at times, and he showed he was willing to trade punch-for-punch when necessary. 

However, boxing isn’t just about raw power. Ngannou’s relative lack of pro boxing experience showed in:

• Defensive positioning

• Punch selection

• Ring awareness

Though he ultimately lost decisively, he won respect from fans for stepping into the ring with a known boxing elite and being willing to engage.

What This Victory Means for Anthony Joshua

Bang Back Into Title Contention

Joshua’s resounding victory placed him firmly back in heavyweight contention. Following a rocky period of career setbacks, this knockout reaffirmed his status as a major force. It revived discussions of potential future fights with top heavyweights—especially contenders like Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury. 

Marketability and Legacy

Joshua’s ability to finish fights in highlight-reel fashion boosts his commercial appeal. His knockout of Ngannou showed he’s not just a name—he’s still a devastating puncher capable of ending fights early. That kind of performance generates excitement among boxing fans and casual viewers alike.

Mental Rebound

Following his loss to Usyk and criticism from some corners, this victory served as a confidence booster—both personally and professionally for Joshua.

How Fans and Analysts Reacted

Positive Reaction Across the Boxing World

Many pundits labelled Joshua’s KO as one of his most impressive performances. Veteran observers praised Joshua’s timing, precision, and power, which combined for a dominant second-round finish. 

Ngannou’s Resilience Still Acknowledged

Despite the outcome, fans and fighters alike acknowledged Ngannou’s courage for stepping into elite boxing territory. His previous fight with Fury, where he knocked the world champion down, had already earned him respect—a narrative that carried into this bout. 

Fight Statistics Snapshot

This statistical snapshot underscores the dominance of Joshua’s performance—even against a high-profile opponent.

Future Implications

For Anthony Joshua

Joshua’s emphatic win positions him for:

• Major world title fights

• High-profile pay-per-view bouts

• Further legacy cementing opportunities

Whether it’s a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury or a unification bout with another top contender, Joshua’s stock has risen. 

For Francis Ngannou

Ngannou’s future in boxing remains open. While his loss was decisive, he’s still widely viewed as a crossover star who brings attention and intrigue to heavyweight boxing. He may return to MMA or pursue other big boxing matchups to build experience.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Who won Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou?
Anthony Joshua won by knockout in the second round, delivering a crushing finish to Ngannou’s bid. 

2. How many knockdowns were in the fight?
Joshua dropped Ngannou three times before the referee stopped the fight. 

3. When and where did the fight take place?
The battle occurred on March 8, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

4. Was this Ngannou’s first boxing fight?
No—Ngannou’s first pro boxing match was against Tyson Fury, where he lost a split decision but scored a knockdown of Fury. 

5. What does this win mean for Joshua’s career?
The KO bolsters Joshua’s heavyweight resume, positioning him for potential title contention and high-profile bouts in the future.

Conclusion

The Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou showdown was more than just a crossover spectacle—it was a definitive statement from one of boxing’s great heavyweights. Joshua’s brutal knockout not only thrilled fans but also reinforced his status as a fearsome puncher and top contender in the division. While Ngannou’s journey into boxing may be just beginning, Joshua’s emphatic victory will be remembered as one of the most dominant knockout performances of his recent career.

Whether you’re a die-hard boxing fan or a casual observer, the highlights from this fight are sure to stand the test of time. For boxing lovers around the world, it was a reminder of the raw excitement that heavyweight combat sports can deliver.