Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Boxing result, highlights and fight reaction after crushing knockout last night
Follow the latest reaction and news after Anthony Joshua’s thrilling display against ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia
Anthony Joshua produced one of the finest performances of his career in a devastating knockout of Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, took a step closer to a blockbuster undisputed fight against Tyson Fury with a superior performance to his rival, who was made to work by the Cameroonian on his debut last October.
• Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: Date, UK start time, undercard and how to watch fight
Joshua dropped the former UFC champion twice before a crushing third knockdown pinned Ngannou to the canvas in an emphatic stoppage. Afterwards Ngannou hailed Joshua’s knockout power.
The 34-year-old confirmed he is now in line to face the winner of Fury against Oleksandr Usyk, who beat ‘AJ’ twice previously. Follow the latest reaction and relive all the action from Knockout Chaos below:
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round two
The crowd is getting into this, Zhang closing the gap and dragging those long shots over the back of Parker as he ducks in.
But Parker whips a left hook that Zhang can feel around the back of his right ear.
Lots of intricate movement from Parker, pivoting at the waist and aiming to time Zhang, countering when he lunges in. Competitive contest, but yet to catch fire.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round one
Here we go! Plenty of Chinese fans in attendance in Riyadh, this should be a cracker.
Will Big Bang be able to detonate on the slippery Parker? The Kiwi was able to defuse Wilder’s power, he’s one win from another super fight.
More of a feeling out round, Zhang ready to fire that dangerous backhand, Parker measuring the distance.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker up NEXT
The winner of this fight, Zhang or Parker, could fight Joshua or Ngannou next?
If Fury and Usyk have to do it all over again, that’s the next great fight in the heavyweight division.
Parker is making his way to the ring... Michael Buffer begins his shift for the night, he says we’re ready for “the big boys of boxing.”
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker up NEXT
“With Andy Lee in his corner, he knows his stuff and his man,” says David Haye.
“They seem confident. How well they did against Wilder, they produced the goods and can do it again tonight. The engine has been an issue for Zhang, tire the big man out, 40 years old.”
Conor Benn adds: “I thought Wilder would win, on paper, if I’m Parker, I go in there and use my speed, counters, keep moving sideways.”
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker up NEXT
It’s Zhang vs Parker up next, a massive fight in the heavyweight division and there’s been big money late for the New Zealander.
This one has narrowed with the bookmakers and the fans, with many, including Tyson Fury, labelling it a 50-50 fight.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball
Rey Vargas and Nick Ball fight to a split draw (114-112, 110-116, 113-113)
Wowwwwww. Those scorecards are all over the place... Vargas retains his belt!
Ball: “I got two knockdowns, I was putting the pressure on for the whole fight, that’s what I thought.
“I knew I was at that level, it’s just getting the opportunity to show that, isn’t it.”
He sounds deflated, as you’d expect.
Frank Warren: “He won the fight. We’re not gonna complain... we’re not crybabies, [but] he won the fight. Listen to the crowd. I just don’t understand.”
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball
Round 12
Ball stays on the front foot as he looks to secure the decision here. He started slow but grew into the fight and had a good run of rounds, including a knockdown in round eight and another in the 11th.
Ball follows Vargas around the ring and lands a one-two. Two body hooks by Vargas.
We’ll go to the scorecards...
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball
Round 10
Again Ball holds the back of Vargas’s head then lands a left hook that wobbles the Mexican.
Ball with a right hook to the body then a lunging left hook to the head.
Vargas with a pair of hooks to the body. Another hard hook downstairs.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball
Round eight
Vargas seems to have composed himself. He leans onto a left hand, however. Vargas holds Ball, who shrugs him off and to the mat – not for the first time tonight.
OH! Final shot of the round, Vargas is put on his backside by a hook! He complains that it should be ruled a slip, but the referee is counting!
Vargas beats the count and makes it to the bell...
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball
Another world-title fight next! Rey Vargas defends the WBC featherweight belt against Nick Ball.
Mexican Vargas suffered his first pro loss last time out, as he moved up to super-featherweight. Liverpool’s Ball, meanwhile, is unbeaten.
Vargas will have quiiiiiite the height advantage in this one...
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