A battle between two heavyweights ended quickly on Friday night, with a boxing veteran taking care of a rookie.
Anthony Joshua faced former UFC star Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night and Joshua was understandably the favorite.
Joshua, a two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, was fighting in his 31st professional boxing match, while Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight world champion, was making just his second professional appearance in the ring.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Anthony Joshua punches Francis Ngannou during a heavyweight fight at the Kingdom Arena on March 8, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Ngannou impressively knocked down current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in his debut fight in October, but ultimately lost the fight by a close split decision. The fight caught the attention of boxing fans everywhere, including Joshua.
However, Joshua dominated this one from the start, knocking Ngannou to the canvas in the first round.
Ngannou got up easily the first time, but was clearly shaken after getting up for the second time in as many rounds. So Joshua wasted no time.
Francis Ngannou is knocked down for the third time and referee Ricky Gonzalez stops the fight and checks on him during Ngannou's heavyweight fight against Anthony Joshua at the Kingdom Arena on March 8, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Seconds after Ngannou got up, the Brit landed a vicious right hook, bending Ngannou like a lawn chair, knocking him unconscious and ending the fight.
JAKE PAUL ACHIEVES SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THE FIRST ROUND, CALLS CANELO ÁLVAREZ: 'I AM THE FACE OF THIS SPORT'
Broadcasters said Ngannou needed an oxygen tank.
“He's a great champion and this doesn't take anything away from his capabilities,” Joshua said of his opponent after the fight. “He can come back. I told him he shouldn't leave boxing. He can do well. He's had two fights and he's fought the best. He can go very far if he stays dedicated, but it's up to him.”
Francis Ngannou is knocked down for the third time and checked by referee Ricky Gonzalez during Ngannou's heavyweight fight against Anthony Joshua at the Kingdom Arena on March 8, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Joshua moved up to 28-3 in his career with 25 knockouts.
The fight came a day after it was announced that Jake Paul would fight Mike Tyson in Dallas on Netflix.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
