There was no match. Just a correction according to the rules of the art, without arrogance, without trash-talking and full of authority. During the night from Friday to Saturday, the Englishman “AJ” aka Anthony Joshua defeated Francis Ngannou in less than three rounds in front of the public in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). This victory, the heavyweight, 2012 Olympic champion in London, built it in three acts for as many knockdowns (two “knockdowns” then a “knockout”).
We summarize everything for you in pictures. The first clap of thunder comes one minute from the end of the first round. With a powerful straight right to the jaw, Joshua lays the foundations for his success. Sent to the ropes, as if electrified, Ngannou struggles to get up. First with both knees on the ground, he managed to convince the referee of his lucidity. The fight can start again. Ngannou manages to limit the charges until returning to the corner.
REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
It’s around the same time in the second round that the machine will shut down for good. This time, Joshua responds to an attack and manages to strike his opponent’s temple, again with his right arm. Ngannou staggers and falls backwards.
REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
Once again, he still manages to get back on his feet and with a nod to the referee, he explains that he wants to restart. His gaze still seems not very lively.
REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
It’s a decoy. He already has nothing left in his socks, in his arms and in his head. Joshua ends the demonstration ten seconds later with the next attack. Too easy. With one ankle planted on the ground, Ngannou dislocates and lands on his back. He is KO.
Fayez Nureldine / AFP AFP or licensors
Final explosion for a resounding coronation under the eyes of Tyson Fury and Manny Pacquiao.
REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
Lying on his back for some time, the MMA champion had to receive medical treatment inside the ring before being escorted back to his stool. His executioner did not want to add more. He even congratulated him after the referee’s verdict. “You are an inspiration, don’t quit boxing. If you need anything, we’ll talk about it later,” the Briton whispered in his ear at the end of the match, before adding more to the microphone. “He is a great champion and that does not take away from his abilities. He is in two fights and he has faced the best. »
REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
On October 29, Ngannou destabilized Tyson Fury, WBC heavyweight champion and huge favorite, like never before, by sending him to the mat. The “Gipsy King” still ended up winning in a split but controversial decision by the judges.
This time, no controversy, no discussions. In Riyadh, there was only a “predator” and his “prey”, as Anthony Joshua summed up after the jubilation on his social networks.
