Eddie Hearn called on Tyson Fury to defeat Oleksandr Usyk to set up an the long-awaited clash between him and Anthony Joshua after AJ KO’d Francis Ngannou.

Joshua dispatched the former UFC heavyweight champion with devastating ease in Riyadh, summarily ending the contest with a second-round knockout.

Watching on at ringside was Tyson Fury, with AJ now poised to face the winner of his upcoming undisputed title clash with Oleksandr Usyk, scheduled for May 18.

Speaking following the fight Matchroom chairman Hearn proclaimed Joshua the number one heavyweight in boxing.

‘I’m so proud of him because there was a huge amount of pressure.’ Hearn said on DAZN.

Eddie Hearn hailed Anthony Joshua as the best heavyweight in the world after his win over Francis Ngannou

Eddie Hearn hailed Anthony Joshua as the best heavyweight in the world after his win over Francis Ngannou

Joshua dominated proceedings in Riyadh, flooring Ngannou twice before landing the KO shot

Joshua dominated proceedings in Riyadh, flooring Ngannou twice before landing the KO shot

‘If we won this fight then he would fight the winner of Fury v Usyk. You’re looking at the number one heavyweight in the world.

‘Tyson Fury please beat Usyk because you will get the biggest fight in the history of the sport. As a fighter, he’s an inspiration to young people.

‘What I said would happen, happened. He destroyed Francis Ngannou. He’s a beast and I cannot wait for him to beat Tyson Fury.’

Joshua looked comfortable from the opening bell in Riyadh, with the pair cautiously exchanging jabs in the early going.

Ngannou had enjoyed success in both stances against Fury in October but was promptly punished for switching southpaw as Joshua floored him with a straight right.

After the fight Hearn called out Tyson Fury to defeat Oleksandr Usyk and set up the long-awaited undisputed showdown between him and AJ

After the fight Hearn called out Tyson Fury to defeat Oleksandr Usyk and set up the long-awaited undisputed showdown between him and AJ

The Gypsy King watched the action unfold from a ringside seat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Gypsy King watched the action unfold from a ringside seat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The 37-year-old recovered to reach the second round but any attempt to ease his way back into the action would swiftly be stifled as AJ again send him crashing to the canvas.

This time it was clear Ngannou was dazed and immediately after rising to his feet Joshua landed an inch-perfect right hand that left him crashing back down.

Speaking following the fight Joshua implored Ngannou to continue his foray into boxing and also pledged to support the Cameroonian’s charity efforts in Africa.