Francis Ngannou can’t remember when he ‘Came back from the stool’ for round two in Anthony Joshua fight

Francis Ngannou doesn’t remember getting up from the stool to start the second round of his boxing match with…

Francis Ngannou doesn’t remember getting up from the stool to start the second round of his boxing match with Anthony Joshua.

After delivering a show-stealing performance against Tyson Fury in October, Ngannou returned to Kingdom Arena in Riyadh for a clash with the WBC’s top-ranked contender. Intent on earning his way into a rematch with ‘The Gypsy King’ Ngannou instead faced an almost immediate disaster when he was sat down in the opening round with a straight right hand from his opponent.

Francis Ngannou

Ngannou answered the referee’s count and made it through the remainder of the round, but according to the former UFC heavyweight champion, everything after that knockdown was a blur.

“My memory and my vision kept going,” Ngannou said while speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. “I don’t remember when I came back from the stool to go to the second round. From the stool, in between rounds, I wasn’t there anymore. Some days are just not your day and you can’t explain what happened. It was quite weird.”

Francis Ngannou Says third boxing fight might come before PFL debut

Ngannou suffered a second knockdown in the second round before being finished off with a massive right hand that rendered the Cameroonian unconscious.

Francis Ngannou

Despite the setback, Ngannou appears to be far from done in the sweet science. Recently, he suggested that boxing now “owes him something” and that a third fight inside the ring could take precedence over his long-awaited debut inside the PFL Smart Cage.

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“What’s next for me? Maybe a third boxing match,” Ngannou said on his YouTube channel. “But I think now boxing owes me something now. I have to regain what boxing took from me. I think my ego will not let me step back and let this go like this without doing everything to restore and prove to the world that I’m the man for the job, I can do it. I slipped, but I didn’t fall. I stumbled, I didn’t fall.”

Francis Ngannou feels like ‘boxing owes him something’ following his devastating KO loss to Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou feels like 'boxing owes him something' following his devastating KO loss to Anthony JoshuaFrancis Ngannou isn’t done just yet. ‘The Predator’ returned to the squared circle on Friday, March 8, for a…

Francis Ngannou feels like 'boxing owes him something' following his devastating KO loss to Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou isn’t done just yet.

‘The Predator’ returned to the squared circle on Friday, March 8, for a showdown with the WBC’s top-ranked heavyweight contender, Anthony Joshua. The bout emanated from Kingdom Arena, the same venue where Ngannou went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury, and nearly defeated ‘The Gypsy King’ in his critically acclaimed pro boxing debut.

Unfortunately, things would not go quite as well for Ngannou the second time around. The former UFC heavyweight champion was sat down by Joshua in back-to-back rounds before being blasted with a vicious right hand that sent Ngannou crashing to the canvas.

Francis Ngannou KOd by Anthony Joshua

Many assumed that Francis Ngannou would head back to the world of mixed martial arts to make his long-awaited debut for the Professional Fighters League following the loss. However, ‘The Predator’ appears to have different plans. In a video on Ngannou’s YouTube channel, he reveals that a third boxing match could be next and admitted to feeling like boxing “owes” him something after his brutal defeat in the ‘Knockout Chaos’ headliner.

“What’s next for me? Maybe a third boxing match,” Ngannou said. “I feel like boxing owes me something now. I have to regain what boxing took out of me. I think my ego will not let me step back and let go of this without doing everything to reinstall and prove to the world that I am the man of this job. I can do it, you know. I slipped, but I didn’t fall. I stumbled, but I didn’t fall.

“I think if I go back, train, learn from it, and use it as an advantage and experience for my personal growth, I think it will not be a loss. I will be able to reverse it and make it a victory. A life victory. Not only a sports victory.”

Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua

Could We See Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder next?

We’re not sure if anyone is clamoring to see Francis Ngannou step back inside the boxing ring, but if he does, one of the names already being tossed around is Deontay Wilder. Holder of the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is considered to be one of the most dangerous punchers in the game, though he has struggled to find his way into the win column as of late.

After absorbing back-to-back losses against Tyson Fury, Wilder bounced back with a first-round knockout of Robert Helenius. Sadly, he followed up the quick finish with a lackluster performance against Joseph Parker in December 2023, losing via unanimous decision to the 35-3 fighter.

With both men coming off losses, it could be a perfect pairing. And if not, Francis Ngannou still has 2023 PFL heavyweight tournament winner Renan Ferreira eagerly waiting to welcome him to the Smart Cage.

Francis Ngannou reveals mystery warm up issue ahead of Anthony Joshua fight: ‘I was falling asleep’

Francis Ngannou reveals myster warm up issue ahead of Anthony Joshua I kept falling asleepFormer UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou provides update following horrific knockout loss to Anthony Joshua.  Last Friday proved a…

Francis Ngannou reveals myster warm up issue ahead of Anthony Joshua I kept falling asleep

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou provides update following horrific knockout loss to Anthony Joshua. 

Last Friday proved a step to far for Ngannou when he faced off with Joshua in Saudi Arabia. After dropping ‘The Predator’, Joshua would completely shut the lights out on an already dazed Ngannou in just the second round.

Fighters react to Anthony Joshua's KO win over Francis Ngannou stop coming to boxing it will only get worse
Mandatory Credit: Richard Pelham

Despite displaying a great chin throughout his career, Joshua left Ngannou utterly unconscious and in need of oxygen – a sight that many thought they would never see. Seeing a fighter in the state that he was is always concerning and while Ngannou does seem in good spirits, claimed that he was ‘falling asleep’ prior to the loss.

Francis Ngannou reveals issues warming up for Anthony Joshua fight

“I remember being in the locker room trying to warm ubut I was feeling asleep, I was sweating but I was feeling asleep,” Francis Ngannou said during an Instagram Live session. “No blame to anybody all the blame here is just about me it’s the game, walking into that (fight) we all knew it could happen, I wasn’t seeing it happen like that but I always knew it could happen.”

Ngannou would also confirm that he intends to continue fighting but has yet to state whether it will be MMA or boxing next. 

Francis Ngannou opens as massive betting favorite to beat Renan Ferreira in expected PFL debut

“I just want to let you guys know that it’s not over yet, not at all, we’re just getting started,” Ngannou said. “The only thing that we will miss here is time and I think we have a good amount of time ahead of us. 

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“As for right now, I’m going to take some time for myself spend some time with my family and friends, and then come back really and get ready for another challenge and adventure.”

Nagnnou is still signed to the PFL, who have stated their interest in pitting him against their heavyweight champion Rennan Ferreira, who recently defeated Bellator champion Ryan Bader. 

What would you like to see Francis Ngannou do next?

Ex-UFC star Nate Diaz claims he’d ‘Whoop’ Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury in fight

Nate Diaz claims he'd whoop Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder in fight UFCNate Diaz thinks he would have a lot of success in boxing against the top heavyweights in the sport….

Nate Diaz claims he'd whoop Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder in fight UFC

Nate Diaz thinks he would have a lot of success in boxing against the top heavyweights in the sport.

Diaz made his pro boxing debut last year when he dropped a decision to Jake Paul. Despite that, Diaz has still expressed interest in continuing to box and after Francis Ngannou was knocked out by Anthony Joshua on Friday, the Stockton native called out the three top boxers.

Fighters react to Anthony Joshua's KO win over Francis Ngannou stop coming to boxing it will only get worse
Mandatory Credit: Richard Pelham

“Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury. I’ll whoop all your asses. Just so u know,” Diaz wrote.

Nate Diaz eyes return at Las Vegas Sphere and fight at UFC 306 I'll be here

Although Diaz called the three out, it’s almost certain that the former UFC fighter would never box the heavyweights, due to the weight and the fact he lost to Jake Paul in his debut, which fans reminded him of.

“Love ya Nate…. but you lost to Jake Paul…,” one fan wrote.

“Stop embarrassing yourself you’re a grown man.”

“Never thought I’d say these words.. I’m tired of Nate Diaz.”

“bruh. you lost to jake paul.”

As many fans point out, Nate Diaz did lose to Jake Paul, so they don’t think he would have any success against the likes of Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and Tyson Fury. The three boxers also never responded to his callout, which isn’t a surprise, as the fight is unlikely to ever happen.

Nate Diaz eyes return at UFC 306 in September

As for his fighting career, Diaz has not fought since he lost a decision to Jake Paul in a boxing match last August. He does not have his next fight booked, but has expressed interest in returning to the UFC to fight at The Sphere in September, while also being linked to a boxing match against Jorge Masvidal.

Jorge Masvidal offers to meet Nate Diaz in street fight rematch let's meet face to face UFC

But, it’s almost certain that despite his callout, Diaz will not be boxing any of Joshua, Wilder, or Fury anytime soon, or ever.

What do you make of Nate Diaz calling out Anthony Joshua and peers?

Dana White Rips Ex-UFC Star Francis Ngannou After Knockout in Anthony Joshua Fight

Following Francis Ngannou’s brutal knockout loss against Anthony Joshua on Friday, his former boss couldn’t help but take a shot at him. “I saw it on social…

Following Francis Ngannou’s brutal knockout loss against Anthony Joshua on Friday, his former boss couldn’t help but take a shot at him. “I saw it on social…

Dana White reacts to Francis Ngannou’s KO loss: ‘If Tyson Fury trained, that fight would’ve ended, too’

Dana White reacts to Francis Ngannou's KO loss if Tyson Fury trained he would've ended that fight tooReacting to former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou’s stunning knockout loss to boxing star, Anthony Joshua over the weekend,…

Dana White reacts to Francis Ngannou's KO loss if Tyson Fury trained he would've ended that fight too

Reacting to former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou’s stunning knockout loss to boxing star, Anthony Joshua over the weekend, promotional boss, Dana White has claimed if WBC heavyweight kingpin, Tyson Fury actually trained for his fight with the Cameroonian last August – the result would have been a mirror-image.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the promotion’s banner, departed the White-led organization at the beginning of last year following the completion of his contractual obligations, in less than ceremonious circumstances.

Dana White calls Francis Ngannou fight unbelievable Tyson Fury it was crazy
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

And since signing with the Peter Murray-led PFL since his departure from the UFC, Ngannou has made his way to two high-profile heavyweight boxing matches – the first of which in a controversial loss to the aforenoted, Fury last summer.

However, in Riyadh earlier this weekend, Ngannou suffered his first knockout loss in combat sports, with ex-two-time world heavyweight champion, Joshua turning in a blistering and punishing one-punch knockout in Saudi Arabia in the pair’s showdown. 

Fighters react to Anthony Joshua's KO win over Francis Ngannou stop coming to boxing it will only get worse
Mandatory Credit: Richard Pelham

Dana White shares thoughts on Francis Ngannou’s loss

And sharing his thoughts on Ngannou’s defeat – in which the Batié native claimed he had let his entire fanbase down, White expressed his dislike for crossover boxing matches – before claiming Ngannou would have suffered a similar fate if he fought a primed and prepped Fury last year.

“I mean, I saw it [Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou] on social media,” Dana White told assembled media after UFC 299. “…Yeah, I mean, going into the (Tyson) Fury fight – if Fury trained for the fight and didn’t show up like, you know, look like he ate Tyson Fury, it’s probably the way that fight would’ve ended, too.”

“Listen, you know how I feel about the crossovers into boxing,” Dana White continued. “That’s how they end – just like that.” 

Expected to make his first outing in the PFL SmartCage later this year off the back of his knockout defeat to Watford native, Joshua – Ngannou will likely be matched against recent superfight winner, Renan Ferreira, who is fresh from a stunning knockout win over Ryan Bader earlier this month.

What’s next for Francis Ngannou after his KO defeat to Anthony Joshua?