Anthony Joshua has delivered several unforgettable moments in his boxing career, but his recent knockout of Francis Ngannou may have eclipsed them all. According to his longtime promoter, Eddie Hearn, the emphatic finish of the former UFC heavyweight champion stands as the most explosive and definitive win of Joshua’s career. In the wake of the bout, Hearn declared that “this was Anthony Joshua at his most dangerous — and his best.”
The fight, which took place in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season, was billed as a spectacle — and it lived up to the hype. Joshua, the British-Nigerian two-time former unified heavyweight champion, faced Ngannou, a Cameroonian-French fighter who made waves in his boxing debut by dropping Tyson Fury in a controversial split-decision loss. Expectations were high, especially with Joshua aiming to reestablish himself as the dominant force in the heavyweight division.
From the opening bell, Joshua looked razor-sharp. He exhibited crisp footwork, an improved jab, and a renewed sense of aggression under the guidance of trainer Ben Davison. Ngannou, known for his devastating power in the MMA world, attempted to press forward, but Joshua’s speed and accuracy overwhelmed him. In the second round, a thunderous right hand from Joshua sent Ngannou crashing to the canvas, unconscious before he even hit the ground. The referee waved off the fight immediately, sparking wild celebrations in Joshua’s corner.
It was a finish that stunned the boxing world — and perhaps even Joshua himself.
“This is the knockout that reminded everyone of why AJ became such a phenomenon in the first place,” Hearn said afterward. “The precision, the composure, and the sheer brutality of that punch — you’re talking about a moment that defines a fighter’s career.”
Indeed, Joshua’s career has been filled with highs and lows. After rising rapidly through the heavyweight ranks and winning Olympic gold at London 2012, he captured his first world title in 2016 by knocking out Charles Martin. From there, he unified the division by defeating Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Alexander Povetkin. But stunning losses to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk caused critics to question whether Joshua still had the hunger and killer instinct that once made him the face of heavyweight boxing.
According to Hearn, those doubts can now be silenced.
“People wrote him off,” Hearn noted. “They said he was finished. But he came back smarter, stronger, and with more conviction than ever. Knocking out Ngannou like that — a man who just shook up Tyson Fury — proves that AJ is still a top-tier threat.”
The significance of this win extends beyond just boxing technique or rankings. For many fans in the UK and Nigeria, Joshua’s knockout of Ngannou was a source of cultural pride. As an Anglo-Nigerian athlete, Joshua continues to represent a bridge between two proud nations. His calm demeanor, athletic excellence, and respect for his heritage have made him a beloved figure both in Britain and across Africa.
“It’s not just about winning,” Joshua said post-fight. “It’s about how you represent yourself and your people. I know where I come from, and I fight with that in my heart.”
Critics and analysts alike have praised Joshua’s evolution. While early in his career he was sometimes seen as overly cautious or robotic, his recent performances have shown a willingness to adapt. Under Davison’s training camp, Joshua has added new tools to his arsenal — better defensive awareness, improved lateral movement, and a refined understanding of range and timing.
Hearn believes the best is yet to come.
“This version of Anthony Joshua beats anybody in the world,” Hearn asserted. “We’re talking Fury, Usyk — you name it. The knockout of Ngannou was not a one-off. It was a signal that AJ is back at the very top.”
Now, with the boxing landscape shifting rapidly and unification bouts looming, Joshua’s stock has never been higher. Whether it leads to a mega-fight with the winner of Fury vs. Usyk or a showdown with other elite contenders like Zhilei Zhang or Deontay Wilder, Joshua’s name is once again at the heart of the heavyweight conversation.
For Joshua, the message is clear: he’s not done writing his legacy. And if the Ngannou knockout is anything to go by, the next chapter mig
ht be the most thrilling yet.
