Boxing fans praise ‘class act’ Anthony Joshua for gesture moments after savage knockout of Francis Ngannou

ANTHONY JOSHUA was called a “class act” after refusing to celebrate until he saw that Francis Ngannou was okay.

The Brit, 34, viciously knocked Ngannou out cold during the second round of their Saudi bout last night.

AFP

Anthony Joshua brutally knocked Francis Ngannou out[/caption]

Getty

Joshua, 34, kept his celebration muted[/caption]

Rather than go wild in the ring, Joshua kept it respectful until Ngannou was back on his feet.

When the Cameroonian was eventually able to get up, AJ made a point of going over to shake his hand.

He then told the MMA star: “Don’t leave boxing.

“If you need anything let me know. We’ll speak another time.”

Joshua later posted a selfie with Ngannou, captioning it: “Respect my guy. African Giants.”

In the immediate aftermath of his win, Joshua said: “When I saw the fight with Tyson Fury I thought ‘I want some of that’. [Ngannou] is a great champion and this doesn’t take anything away from his capabilities.

“I told him not to leave boxing. He’s two fights in and he’s fought the best.”

Fans on social media were pleased with Joshua’s response.

One wrote: “Top class this much respect.”

While a second posted: “Class act. Well done AJ, go get ur belts back!!”

A third commented: “Class from AJ and complete respect to Francis Ngannou.”

And another added: “Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou are both class acts.”

Ngannou, 37, could return to MMA for his next bout.

The Cameroonian is signed to the PFL and was cageside as heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira beat Ryan Bader last month.

After his win Ferreira, 34, took to the mic to call out Ngannou.

He said: “I am the real champion out here. I am the record breaker and record setter.

“Francis, where are you? Let’s do this. I’ve always been ready to fight against the very best in the world, it can be against Francis in the boxing ring or in the cage, wherever he wants to do it.”

Ngannou last fought in MMA against Ciryl Gane in January 2022, prior to his exit from the UFC.

He is on a six-fight win streak in the cage, since losing to Derrick Lewis at UFC 226.

After last night’s fight, Ngannou wrote on social media: “Sorry guys I let you all down.

“Today was a bad day in the office but tomorrow will be another day. Thank you all for the love.”

Joshua posted a selfie with Ngannou after the fightInstagram / anthonyjoshua

Reuters

Ngannou, 37, required medical treatment[/caption]