Anthony Joshua explains what he said to Francis Ngannou immediately after KO

Anthony Joshua dealt Francis Ngannou the second defeat of his boxing career but wants to see the ex-UFC star stick around in the heavyweight division and he hailed his journey

Anthony Joshua told Francis Ngannou to stick with boxing despite knocking out the former UFC star within two rounds.

The two heavyweights squared off in Saudi Arabia but the bout proved to be a short one as Joshua twice floored his Cameroonian opponent before a telling knockout blow in the second round ended the contest – dealing Ngannou his second loss in as many fights.

Ngannou showed plenty of promise on his boxing debut as he put Tyson Fury down on the canvas before eventually losing on points, which some considered a harsh result. The former UFC star was unable to challenge Joshua, but the Englishman insists he should stick with the sport.

He said after his victory: “He 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. 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. The people of Cameroon, I appreciate you. Africa united, respect. Everyone here tonight, I appreciate you. Thank you to Francis Ngannou.”

Before the fight, despite being apprehensive about individuals crossing over from other sports, Joshua insists Ngannou is a great addition to the division. “He’s a boxer (now),” he said. “It’s his choice (if he wants to go back to MMA). I think he’s a good addition. He adds some global supporters as well. … It’s great for boxing as a whole.”

Ngannou now has a decision to make having signed with the PFL with a return to the UFC being discussed. The ex-UFC star himself has suggested that he’ll go back to the octagon to take on the winner of Renan Ferreira and Ryan Baber – with Ferreira coming out on top.

“I think the winner of this is the guy I’m going to fight in my MMA return,” Ngannou told ESPN. “It is my intention to return to the sport. When exactly, I think depends on March 8. [Ferreira and Bader] are both champions and one of them is going to be a ‘Champ Champ.’ So, I think there isn’t a better way to find an opponent [for me], since I am a champion myself.”

Ngannou signed with the PFL in May 2023 but has yet to debut as he has placed more of a focus on his boxing career. Now, with nothing confirmed for the 37-year-old, his next challenge could be presented to him. Ngannou previously competed in UFC from 2015 to 2022, enjoying a 17-3 record during that period with wins over the likes of Stipe Miocic and Ciryl Gane.