Smash and Grab: AJ batters Ngannou to save boxing’s skin
Plus, Parker shocks, Ball draw and Madrimov dominates
The sport of boxing couldn’t afford another slip-up. Just months after Tyson Fury was dropped and embarrassed by an outsider, Anthony Joshua saved face by carrying out the job his UK compatriot was supposed to do.
Francis Ngannou is a fine physical specimen. He seems like a nice guy. Joshua considered neither of these factors when landing a right hand from the gods in round two. The UFC escapee’s face shook like Dominic Breazeale after sampling Deontay Wilder’s nuclear right. Third time and down. This time he was not getting up.
Ngannou came out calm and confident, swiping the jab and left hook before turning southpaw to try and show his full skillset. Joshua stepped in with a right cross that dropped him heavily. If AJ still held the killer instinct then the end was near.
Thankfully, he was all business. Flooring Ngannou again in round two, the Cameroonian rose tentatively. The body was ready for more, but the mind was disconnected.
Just like when George Foreman finished an ambling Gerry Cooney in 1990, albeit from a different shot, Joshua spotted a wounded animal and instantly put it out of its misery. The finishing blow was hard, brutal and decisive.
Francis landed on his back, legs splayed to either side. Out cold in two rounds. After a subdued post-fight analysis, Joshua said that his victim could come again. Not on this stage though, taking up space from the real operators. Ngannou has had his moment in the sun. Now it’s time for him to slip away.
“I didn't want to disrespect Ngannou but he's not been hit by someone like AJ before,” said trainer Ben Davison, whom AJ thanked after the win.
Joshua then tried to grab the DAZN mic and walk around the ring, no doubt preparing to deliver one of his bizarre monologues. The crowd hushed. Eddie Hearn squirmed. The broadcasters got ready for damage limitation.
Interviewer Ade Oladipo spotted the flames early and did a sterling job keeping hold of the microphone, thus helping to avoid another off-base ramble. Joshua simply thanked a few groups and handed it back.
Wins for Parker and Madrimov in AJ support card - Nick Ball draws
Just months after upsetting Deontay Wilder, former world champion Joseph Parker was at it again, defusing heavy-handed lump Zhilei Zhang. Parker’s strategy and execution were on point, as Zhang badly tired in the final rounds.
Despite knocking down Parker twice, the Chinese southpaw was outworked. Parker’s jab and right hand fizzed home all night. The man trained by Andy Lee seemed to get stronger as the bout wore on. The judges totalled 115-111, 114-112 to the New Zealander and a 113-113 even card.
In a tale of two halves, it felt like Nick Ball had done enough to defeat WBC featherweight champion Rey Vargas. The Mexican was the boss across the first half, but Ball came on strong and scored two knockdowns.
The judges had it 114-112 (Vargas), 116-110 (Ball) and a deciding 113-113. Balancing himself against a ceremonial staff, Vargas said in the post-fight interview that he would give Ball a rematch. Constantly seething, promoter Frank Warren tried to rally the crowd to Ball’s side, but the vote had already been cast.
Israil Madrimov stopped Magomed Kurbanov in the fifth round to win the WBA super-welterweight title. Both men were unbeaten going into the fight.
Celebrating with a somersault, Madrimov was too sharp and active for Kurbanov. Referee Steve Gray’s intervention was premature. A count on the ropes probably would’ve sufficed in a world title fight. Kurbanov was wilting fast, though.
Huni and Chamberlain score Riyadh victories
Aussie heavyweight hope Justis Huni survived a rough final 90 seconds to outpoint South Africa’s Kevin Lerena. Two judges had it 96-94 and the third 98-92, all in favour of the new WBO Global heavyweight king.
In a transplanted domestic dust-up, Mark Chamberlain stopped Gavin Gwynne in round four of their 10-round lightweight clash.
There were mixed displays in the prelim portion of the Saudi card
Unfancied Louis Greene scored a stunning first-round stoppage over Jack McGann at 154.
Gangly heavyweight Roman Fury outpointed Czech Martin Svarc.
Ziyad Almaayouf defeated Christian Flores over six rounds.
Andrey Novytskyi stopped Juan Torres in round three of a scheduled eight at heavyweight.
Ringside celebrity interest included Manny Pacquiao, Jose Mourinho and the original Brazilian Ronaldo that only us oldies remember.
About Steve: Experienced boxing writer, author of 8 books and podcaster of over 500 eps. 20 years in the sport. Covered hundreds of shows for newspapers and Boxing News magazine. Chief video script writer for Motivedia channel and BN+. For enquiries: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com.