Anthony Joshua has told Francis Ngannou to continue his career in heavyweight boxing, despite being brutally knocked out by the Englishman on Friday evening.
Joshua reigned victorious against Ngannou by delivering a huge knockout strike in the second-round of their Saudi Arabia showdown that the Cameroonian needed to receive medical attention for in the ring before getting to his feet.
Ngannou could now leave boxing after only his second professional having previously marked his crossover from UFC to fight Tyson Fury.
Joshua sent Ngannou to the canvas three times during Friday’s short-lived bout, with his final sickening blow causing his opponent’s knees to buckle underneath him after being KO’d.
The former heavyweight world champion continues on his mission to becoming a three-time belt holder after the statement win but was full of praise for his opponent after the encounter.
Anthony Joshua has told Francis Ngannou to continue his career in heavyweight boxing
Joshua brutally knocked Ngannou out in the second round during Friday’s heavyweight clash
Speaking to a packed press room in Riyadh, Joshua said: ‘Half of these people thought he was going to beat me, I know I can see all you lot, you all thought he was going to beat me.
‘I just do what I do, do my best, get the job done, I don’t do it to prove anything I just do it for myself.
‘He’s very strong, I think he should continue in boxing as heavyweight boxing is in a league of its own, you get the big punchers, people that are quick, lightning strike kind of power, he’s up there with the power,’ he added.
Joshua said after his fight that Ngannou shouldn’t quit after his second professional loss
Joshua walked back to his corner after beating Ngannou by delivering a huge knockout
Much had been made pre-fight of Ngannou’s frightful punching power that previously floored reigning world champion Fury, but he wasn’t able to connect with Joshua who demonstrated his superior ring experience.
The Watford-born winner continued to explain that Ngannou’s strength was something to be wary of but shrugged off any suggestions that he struggled against it.
‘In the clinch I felt fine though and I thought hang on a minute I could probably take him in UFC with a bit of pushing and pulling I thought “I’m alright” I thought I would be getting flung everywhere.
‘I’m joking, he is strong but I stand my ground it’s a fight, it was in my favour tonight and we move onto the next,’ he added.