Riyadh fight: Ngannou apologies after succumbing to blows from Joshua.

The British boxer delivered a commanding performance against the ex-UFC heavyweight champion, and floored him in the first round, before delivering a destructive second-round knockout. 

The fight certainly did not bring any of the potential upset fans feared when they watched Ngannou drop Fury eerily in the third round of their bout in October 2023.

This time, it was instead the Watford-born fighter Joshua flooring Ngannou within three minutes. Ngannou beat the referee’s count at 8 before seeing out round one but round two would prove too difficult for the MMA legend

An explosive right by Joshua, moments after Ngannou got up from a second knockdown punch, saw the referee instantly waving off the contest. 

Ngannou was completely knocked out and had to be treated by medics as he appeared motionless when he hit the canvas.

Ngannou apologises

Taking to his X account, formerly Twitter, the native of Batie in the West Region of Cameroon said it was a bad day in office. 

“Sorry guys I let you all down. Today was a bad day in office but tomorrow will be another day. Thank you all for the love,” the 37-year-old apologised. 

Quizzed during the post-match press conference on whether the defeat against Joshua was going to make him reconsider his career choices, Ngannou said: “You can be sure I’m not done here. It wasn’t my day. He [Joshua] was much better than me today, it sucks but it’s the game…”.

Ngannou was only in his second professional boxing match after he first confronted WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury last October. 

Anthony Joshua commended Ngannou and went on to describe him as a great champion.

“Ngannou 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's fought the best,” Joshua said after his emphatic win on Saturday. 

Saturday’s fight was only Ngannou’s second match in professional boxing after he first confronted WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury last October.

Ngannou’s journey in boxing began last year after a successful MMA career where he claimed the UFC's heavyweight belt in 2021. Despite contractual disagreements leading to his departure from the UFC, Ngannou's move to boxing has been met with enthusiasm from fans.

In his debut-boxing match, Ngannou faced Fury in a close split-decision loss, displaying his potential as a formidable contender in the heavyweight division.

Tributes pour in for Ngannou 

Despite the defeat, Ngannou has been receiving messages of goodwill and comfort from well-wishers and his fans in Cameroon and beyond.

In a tribute to the former UFC champion, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Prof Narcisse Mouelle Kombi said government and the people of Cameroon are looking to see him bounce back even stronger.

“Unfortunately, this second boxing match was not favorable. That is sport and its uncertainty. We know that you'll come back stronger from this defeat and that you'll turn it around with determination and vigor in your next fights” Minister Mouelle Kombi wrote.

While many have been wishing Ngannou well in his career, his defeat to Joshua has been a difficult pill to swallow, with some suggesting it was a staged match.