Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Boxing result, highlights and fight reaction after crushing knockout last night
Follow the latest reaction and news after Anthony Joshua’s thrilling display against ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia
Anthony Joshua produced one of the finest performances of his career in a devastating knockout of Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, took a step closer to a blockbuster undisputed fight against Tyson Fury with a superior performance to his rival, who was made to work by the Cameroonian on his debut last October.
• Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: Date, UK start time, undercard and how to watch fight
Joshua dropped the former UFC champion twice before a crushing third knockdown pinned Ngannou to the canvas in an emphatic stoppage. Afterwards Ngannou hailed Joshua’s knockout power.
The 34-year-old confirmed he is now in line to face the winner of Fury against Oleksandr Usyk, who beat ‘AJ’ twice previously. Follow the latest reaction and relive all the action from Knockout Chaos below:
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round 12
Zhang's corner thinks he needs a knockout. Parker still producing dynamic movement in the pocket. Zhang unable to provide much output, the volume of punches is going to cost him this fight.
It’s a Parker round and it should be a Parker fight.
Tactically, once again, Parker and Andy Lee have produced a masterpiece. But, let’s wait for the judges’ scorecards...
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round 11
DAZN analyst Barry Jones has it dead even heading into the final two rounds, despite the two knockdowns for Zhang, Parker has been busier - 94-94.
Andy Lee concurs, “you’re fighting a smart fight,” he convinces Parker, while warning him about the first 30 seconds of each round before the Chinese heavyweight tires. Slick movement from the former world champion, and Zhang has no answers.
Zhang now taking some big shots, Parker bending in front of his rival now, confidence growing.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round 10
Zhang with a hematoma on the right side of his face.
Parker aiming for the body a bit more in this round, then a quick one-two upstairs, smart boxing from the New Zealander, fast hands!
Zhang is at risk of dropping a decision here, despite the two knockdowns in his favour. This could be close on the scorecards.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round nine
No work rate from Zhang in the ninth, Parker peppering him on the backfoot, but the power is dangerous every second.
Zhang is exhausted, falling over Parker routinely.
Meanwhile, Joshua is working up a sweat backstage, smashing the pads. He’s ready to go!
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round eight
A lovely shot from Parker, Zhang stunned momentarily but then fires back quickly. The speed of Parker is a problem here, Zhang struggling to keep pace and breathing heavily.
Parker has turned the tide here and is on top after that early knockdown.
DOWN GOES PARKER! Can you believe it? Zhang with a glancing shot and Parker dips down again after being clipped on the top of his head. That is effortless power from Zhang!
It’s caught fire now, Parker landing some crisp shots to the exposed body of Zhang, but now Parker has let slip his advantage as we enter the championship rounds.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round seven
Zhang with a left hook that slips through, more of an uppercut in fact, Parker takes it well retreating.
Now Parker changing the levels as he counters.
That bend at the waist is causing Zhang all sorts of trouble as he fails to connect and he’s getting caught when he does decide to chop down.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round six
Parker now taking over, Zhang lacking output now and losing momentum fast.
Andy Lee is thrilled at what he sees from Parker, too. Excellent movement and counter-punching from the Kiwi.
The lead left is predictable and the Chinese heavyweight is unwilling to put much behind it.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round five
DAZN commentator and analyst Barry Jones has it 39-36 to Zhang, three rounds to one, Jones has Parker back in the contest by pinching the fourth.
Some shouts of encouragement from Parker’s corner, much better, this fight is turning all of a sudden, Zhang hasn’t done much since the knockdown.
A quick look around the arena brings up a number of famous faces: Ronaldo, Manny Pacquiao, Jose Mourinho and Kell Brook in attendance.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round four
Zhang is just walking Parker down, who is stepping away nicely to recover from that crushing knockdown.
Parker blowing the blood out of his nose, the whipping left hook is giving Zhang something to worry about.
A low blow brings the referee into this contest, just a warning for Parker though. And now a right hand sees Zhang stagger to his side, he was only off balance though.
Joshua vs Ngannou LIVE: Zhang vs Parker
Round three
Zhang towering over Parker in the corner, but his work is mostly smothered.
DOWN GOES PARKER!
A huge shot from Zhang, out of nowhere, lands on Parker's chin. Impeccable timing, a swivel of the hips, and there's the "Chinese Power".
Parker does well to survive, taking an uppercut on the inside in survival mode. Blood streams down Parker’s nose, the bell saves him.
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