A boxing clinic from Joshua.

Anthony Joshua has defeated Francis Ngannou via knockout after a stunning performance in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua knocked his opponent down with a fearsome right hand inside the first round as he looked to assert early dominance on proceedings.

The Watford-born fighter then landed another right hand in round two which clearly appeared to daze Ngannou.

The former UFC champion got back up, but was immediately sent straight back down to the canvas – for the final time in the fight.

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Ngannou required oxygen after the knockout, but was able to sit up in his corner as he was attended to by medical staff, and eventually got up to his feet.

Joshua went into the bout, which took place in Riyadh, as the heavy favourite – although not many expected such a dominant display.

Ngannou suffered a split decision loss to Tyson Fury in his first professional fight in October, and was seen as a strong challenger to the former two-time heavyweight champion.

And despite a fast start in the opening 30 seconds of the contest, the first of three knockdowns rocked Ngannou. While he made it to the end of the round, Joshua sensed his opportunity.

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He took it in the second round, with a second knockdown quickly followed by another to end a clinical five-minute display of boxing.

Joshua’s victory could take boxing fans one step closer to seeing him take on Tyson Fury in what would be one of the biggest fights in British boxing history.

His promoter Eddie Hearn opened the door for a future fight against ‘The Gypsy King’ – but pleaded with Fury to beat Oleksandr Usyk in their rearranged fight in July in order to make it happen.

For Joshua, it is now four wins on the spin since his defeats to Usyk in 2021 and 2022 – and he will feel like he can defeat anyone.