Former Word Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua beat martial artist-turned-boxer Francis Ngannou in their 10-round bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Briton knocked out his opponent in Round 2 of the much-anticipated match.
It was just the second boxing bout for the the UFC champion, having lost on points to WBC champion Tyson Fury in October last year.
But he was not the kind of opponent seen in that fight in Saturday’s as he suffered two knockdowns before the referee stopped proceedings.
But Joshua had kind words for his opponent.
“On the road to the championship, you should always stay focussed,” he said inside the ring immediately after the fight.
“I thought this was something for the broadcasters to get behind. When I saw the fight with Tyson Fury I thought I want some of that.
“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.”
Joshua is expected to have a go at the world title again after Fury’s scheduled fight against WBA, WBO and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday, May 18.
