Francis Ngannou experienced his first professional knockout, courtesy of Anthony Joshua, in a thrilling clash in Saudi Arabia.
The Cameroonian UFC star, now transitioning into boxing, admitted to being unable to feel the punch that ended the fight, showcasing the sheer power of Joshua’s blows.
Ngannou on Joshua’s punch
In a post-fight interview, as reported by the Mirror, Ngannou conceded, “[Joshua] was quite special because he stopped me. He did what Tyson couldn’t do.
“In fact, I didn’t feel the punch. I think that’s what a knockout is about. I don’t feel any pain. That’s how I know I was knocked out.”
Despite the defeat, he remains resolute, stating, “You can be sure I’m not done here. It wasn’t my day. He was way better than me today. It sucks but it’s the game. We all know that.”
Joshua, acknowledging Ngannou’s potential, encouraged him to persist in boxing, saying, “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’s fought the best.”
The Future for Ngannou
While Ngannou ventured into boxing last year, signing with the PFL, his recent defeat might prompt a return to MMA.
UFC chief Dana White, previously critical of Ngannou, expressed his scepticism, stating, “Francis wants to take zero risks, doesn’t want to take any chances, and he didn’t want to take a chance with Jon Jones – and after we saw what happened with Ciryl Gane, I don’t blame him.
“I think the outcome would’ve been exactly the same, and I’m sure most of you do and I’m sure Francis does too.”
