Joshua Dominates Ngannou with Second-Round Knockout in Heavyweight Clash

Two-time world champion Anthony Joshua knocked out mixed martial arts star Francis Ngannou in just the second round of their heavyweight clash in the early hours of Saturday.

Joshua, a former unified WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight champion, went into the fight on the back of three successive wins.

The Cameroonian Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, was participating in only his second professional boxing match, having lost a split decision to Tyson Fury in an October fight that saw him put the WBC champion on the canvas in the third round.

Joshua had his opponent on the canvas in the first round and twice more in the second in a brutal and brief exhibition of punching power.

Ngannou’s resistance lasted just a few more moments after he was sent to the canvas for the third and final time.

He lay on his back for some time and needed medical treatment inside the ring before being helped back to his stool.

The fight only got underway at 3:30 am local time (0030 GMT), but weary fans enjoyed a sensational start when Joshua quickly sent Ngannou to the canvas in the opening round with a brutal right to the chin.

It got worse for the Cameroonian when he was knocked down again in the second round, just managing to beat the count.

Before the fight, Joshua had reportedly been paid $50 million for his clash with Ngannou, whose rags-to-riches story had captivated the sport.

The MMA star grew up in abject poverty, working as a child laborer in a sand quarry for under $2 a day.

Ngannou then made his way to Europe, even sleeping rough in a car park in Paris before a local coach took him under his wing and guided him to boxing.

After his victory, Joshua praised Ngannou’s skills and encouraged him not to leave boxing, citing his capabilities and potential.