FANS have praised Anthony Joshua after incredible pre-fight footage showed him practising the exact punch that beat Francis Ngannou.
AJ wasted no time in the ring last night as he secured a knockout win over the MMA superstar.
The former heavyweight champion sent his rival to the canvas in the opening round before a powerful right-hand and left-hook combo in the second saw him hit the deck again.
Ngannou found his feet but looked shaky as his lights were put out by Joshua with another right-overhand punch.
The Cameroonian was caught off guard by the Brit’s fast start – but perhaps he should’ve been aware of his tactics.
As Joshua warmed up for the bout, he was working on his right-hand punched that finished the fight.
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AJ and his team have been praised for their spot-on preparation.
One fan said: “Team Joshua were practising the power right-hand extensively during the warm up, which is rare. Clearly elite fight planning. They knew in advance Ngannou’s stance restricts him from evading the right hand.”
Another added: “They were truly ready and prepared.”
A third commented: “Joshua has finally found the right team for him I think.”
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The 2012 Olympics gold medallist’s performance impressed Tyson Fury amid fans saying he looked “terrified” ringside.
Asked about fighting Joshua, Fury said: “I’m sure Oleksandr Usyk will have something to say something about that.
“I had a s*** performance against Ngannou. AJ did absolutely fantastic and lit him up with a right hand.
“I’m still dismissive of him. AJ’s made to measure for me.
“Just because he knocked out Ngannou – it’s not the same.
“He couldn’t land any of those rights on Usyk, a way smaller and lighter man.
“Styles make fights and his style is made for me.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk