Anthony Joshua urges Francis Ngannou not to quit boxing after brutal knockout

Anthony Joshua has urged Francis Ngannou not to give up on boxing after defeating him in just his second professional fight in Riyadh. Joshua managed to knock out the former UFC champion in the second round, leaving him needing oxygen in the ring.

Despite losing narrowly on points to WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in his only previous fight, Ngannou started off strong in Riyadh, holding his own for most of the first round. However, Joshua knocked him down with about a minute left in the round, and when he fell again in the second, it seemed unlikely that Ngannou would be able to continue.

Speaking to broadcaster DAZN, Joshua said: "On the road to the championship, you should always stay focused," and "when I saw the fight with Tyson Fury, I thought I want some of that. (Ngannou) 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."

Now, Joshua has won four fights in a row, putting him in an excellent position to face the winner of the May 18 fight between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. He expressed his gratitude towards the Ben Davison performance centre, saying: "The Ben Davison performance centre, I appreciate them highly," and "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.