Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou: Former heavyweight champion knocks UFC star down three times inside two rounds

The former heavyweight champion was anticipating a stern examination from the UFC legend, who was controversially denied victory over Tyson Fury at this same venue back in October but it ended up being one of his most brutal ever wins.

Joshua floored his opponent in the first round with a right hand to the chin then again early in the second with a right-left hook combination.

Ngannou got to his feet but was quickly put back down by a strong right hand, after which the referee put a stop to the contest. The 37-year-old required oxygen in the ring as he was attended to by medics in the immediate aftermath, before recovering to leave the ring unaided.

WBC champion Fury faces WBA, WBO and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk on 18 May in an undisputed contest and Joshua is now in prime position to take on the winner.

He told DAZN: "On the road to the championship, you should always stay focussed. I thought this was something for the broadcasters to get behind. When I saw the fight with Tyson Fury I thought I want some of that. He is a great champion and this doesn't take anything away from his capabilities. I told him not to leave boxing. He's two fights in and he fought the best.

"The Ben Davison performance centre, I appreciate them highly. All of these guys that I worked with until this day. I'm just hungry. Stay hungry and all that good stuff.

"It only takes one shot in the heavyweight division. Joseph Parker is one of my favourite fighters, he had it tough and look at him now. I'm just doing it while I'm here and making the most of it. In five years I won't be fighting.

"Eddie Hearn and my team will shape my future. I'm going back to my cage and when they let me out, I'll fight again.

"The people of Cameroon, I appreciate you. Africa united, respect. Everyone here tonight, I appreciate you. Thank you to Francis Ngannou."

Hearn said: "I'm so proud of him because there was a huge amount of pressure. If we won this fight then he would fight the winner of Fury v Usyk. You're looking at the number one heavyweight in the world.

"On this form, there is no man that can beat him. Tyson Fury please beat Usyk because you will get the biggest fight in the history of the sport. As a fighter, he's an inspiration to young people. What I said would happen, happened. He destroyed Francis Ngannou. He's a beast and I cannot wait for him to beat Tyson Fury."

Fury told DAZN: "There's quite a long way to go, there's always been a lot of shit getting in the way of it. I've got bigger fish to fry, 18 May, then we have a rematch in October. After that, if he's still available and I'm available, let's get it on.

“Yes, it goes both ways, he can do what he wants, whoever he fights, he can’t wait a year, inactivity is no good. After I beat Usyk, the IBF will be vacant, so maybe he can fight Hrgovic.

“I’m healing well, I’m not even in camp yet, I’ll go to camp at the end of March and I’ll spar then.”

He added: "I'm sure Usyk will have something to say about that, since he beat him twice. Me and Usyk fight for the No 1 and No 2 position in the sport.

“I had a shit performance against Ngannou, styles make fights, I almost got it right, I said one round. He did fantastic tonight.

“It’s what a boxer should have done to him. Well done. If he fights me in the future, after I’ve fought Usyk twice, next year...”

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