Francis Ngannou Reveals Unfazed by Knockout Punch from Anthony Joshua
In a stunning turn of events, Francis Ngannou revealed that he did not feel the powerful punch from Anthony Joshua that ended their heavyweight boxing match in the second round in Saudi Arabia. This shocking statement came after Joshua delivered a knockout blow that left Ngannou unconscious.
Ngannou’s Confession
Ngannou candidly admitted to reporters that he did not even feel the impactful punch from Joshua that resulted in his knockout. According to a report by Josh Peter of USA Today, Ngannou stated, “In fact, I didn’t feel the punch. I think that’s what the knockout is about. I don’t feel any pain. That’s how I know I was knocked out.”
Historic Moment in Boxing
Notably, this match marked the first time Ngannou has been knocked down and knocked out. As highlighted by combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani, Joshua managed to drop Ngannou in Round 1 before ultimately finishing the match in Round 2.
Ngannou’s Recovery
Following the knockout, Ngannou was briefly unconscious before regaining consciousness and making it to his stool. Officials provided him with oxygen as a precaution. This incident shed light on the brutal nature of boxing and the physical toll it can take on athletes.
Post-Match Reflections
In the aftermath of the fight, Ngannou took to social media to express his disappointment, apologizing to his fans for his performance. In a tweet, he wrote, “Sorry guys I let you all down. Today was a bad day in the office but tomorrow will be another day. Thank you all for the love.”
Mutual Respect
Despite the fierce competition, both Ngannou and Joshua exhibited sportsmanship and mutual respect towards each other. Joshua commended Ngannou, referring to them as “African Giants” and extending his respect to his opponent.
Professional Journey
Notably, this was only Ngannou’s second professional boxing match, with his debut resulting in a competitive split decision defeat to WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. On the other hand, Joshua, a seasoned former heavyweight champion, improved his record to 28-3 lifetime, showcasing his dominance with 25 knockouts.
In conclusion, the unexpected revelation from Ngannou added an intriguing layer to the intense matchup between the two heavyweight fighters, solidifying their places as formidable competitors in the boxing world.