Boxing

FANS are convinced Francis Ngannou “cursed” himself with his walkout song to face Anthony Joshua.The Cameroonian legend, 37, got knocked out by a brutal AJ right hand in the second round of their heavyweight showdown in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.Francis Ngannou walked to the ring to the soundtrack of a Drake songCredit: GettyNgannou was knocked out in the second roundCredit: ReutersHe was floored twice before that, though, as the Brit dominated from the opening bell in an emphatic performance.However, some thought Ngannou was doomed to lose from the outset after hearing his choice of music.The ex-MMA champ headed from the dressing room to the ring to the background of Drake’s song God’s Plan. But fans berated Ngannou for his poor choice – due to the infamous ‘Drake curse’.READ MORE IN BOXINGOne said: “Why has Ngannou brought the Drake curse upon himself with this walkout song?”Another wrote: “Ngannou first problem is entering with a Drake song, seems he doesn’t know the Drake’s curse.”A third added: “Please who advised Ngannou to come in with Drake’s song? Didn’t they tell him?”A fourth replied: “Ngannou coming out to Drake, it’s game over for him.”Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And a final user commented: “Walking out to a drake song is mistake No1 for Ngannou lol.”The ‘Drake curse’ relates to the Canadian rapper’s woeful ability to predict the outcome of sporting events. Fans spot Tyson Fury’s ‘terrified’ reaction immediately after Anthony Joshua’s explosive KO of Francis NgannouConor McGregor, Manchester City, Miami Heat, Serena Williams and PSG have all been victims after Drake placed large bets on them all to win – only for them to suffer defeats. And ahead of Joshua vs Ngannou, the Brit received a major boost when news of Drake’s stake emerged.He placed a whopping £500,000 wager on Ngannou – which would have pocketed him a cool £1.5million returns. And Drake’s nightmare streak continued within six minutes as Joshua sparked his opponent out in devastating fashion. The AJ win – following Tyson Fury’s struggles against the same man in October – means the Watford star has got his boxing career back on track and will be eyeing a heavyweight title fight against Fury should the WBC champ beat Oleksandr Usyk. Drake placed a £500,000 bet on Ngannou to winCredit: GettyJoshua produced a stunning hit to down the CameroonianCredit: Getty More

TYSON FURY was seemingly involved in a backstage barney in the aftermath of Anthony Joshua’s win over Francis Ngannou.The Gypsy King was ringside for his fellow Brit’s demolition job of his former opponent in Saudi Arabia early on Saturday morning.Tyson Fury was ringside for Anthony Joshua’s clash with Francis NgannouCredit: GETTYThe Gypsy King launched a blistering X-rated rant during backstage after the fightIt’s unclear who the WBC heavyweight king was shouting atFury, 35, was sat alongside wife Paris as AJ knocked the former UFC heavyweight champion out cold with a brutal overhand right in the second round of their Saudi showdown.And he was seemingly fired up as he made his way to leave the Kingdom Arena.The WBC heavyweight champion was filmed backstage bemoaning the fact someone he’d had an interaction with had disappeared.He said: “Has f***ed off, the useless c**t.”READ MORE IN BOXINGIt’s unknown who the furious Fury was talking about in the video, which has spread like wildfire on social media.Boxing fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “He’s rattled. He knows the jig is up.”Another said: “Fury feeling the pressure.”And another said: “Rattled when the cameras were off him.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnthony Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou in the second round of their Saudi showdownCredit: GettyOne remarked: “He is FUMING.”Another chimed in: “Running around in a waistcoat with no shirt, a dyed beard calling people useless cunts is quite an image.”Paris Fury looks horrified as Francis Ngannou collapses to floor after he’s brutally knocked out by Anthony JoshuaJoshua, 34, did his part to get a Battle of Britain between himself and Fury back on track with his destruction of Ngannou.Fury must now register back-to-back wins over Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed fights later this year to ensure the fight happens.He 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.”If he fights me after I beat Usyk twice then it will be a different game.”Joshua, however, refused to be drawn on a historic domestic dust-up with his long-time rival, telling iFL TV: “F**k Tyson Fury.”Anthony Joshua didn’t hang around as he dominated Francis NgannouCredit: EPA More

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.Anthony Joshua practised the punch that won the fight just before stepping into the ringCredit: DAZNAJ’s strong right-hand knocked out Francis NgannouCredit: GettyThe 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.READ MORE IN BOXINGAJ 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.”Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL 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.AJ Celebrates huge knockout win over Francis Ngannou”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.” More

ANTHONY JOSHUA blasted Tyson Fury in a blistering rant just hours after his obliteration of Francis Ngannou.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion knocked the MMA man mountain out cold in the second round of their crossover clash in Saudi Arabia early on Saturday morning.Anthony Joshua brutally knocked out Francis Ngannou in their Saudi showdownCredit: GETTYTyson Fury was ringside for his fellow Brit’s third KO win in a rowCredit: SKY SPORTSJoshua was in no mood to talk about his long-time rival after the stunning stoppageCredit: IFL TVAJ’s demolition of Ngannou has put him on course for a long overdue Battle of Britain with The Gypsy King, who was ringside for the Riyadh rumble.But he wasn’t in the mood for discussing a domestic dust-up with the WBC heavyweight champion due to his pre-fight putdowns of himself and Ngannou.The fired-up Watford warrior told iFL TV: “F**k Tyson Fury.”I don’t like trash-talking people, but I heard him say, ‘Oh, I’m here to do commentary about these two sausages.’READ MORE IN BOXING”Or something like that.”Bro, that guy that I fought and that he fought is an ex-UFC heavyweight champion [and has] a phenomenal story and someone who has changed their life around.”[He’s] just too disrespectful. So forget anything about him right now.”Before Joshua can think of sharing the ring with Fury, he must first wait for his Brit rival to have back-to-back undisputed heavyweight title fights with Oleksandr Usyk.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnthony Joshua walks away after flatlining Francis NgannouCredit: GETTYA fight between Joshua and Fury will arguably be the biggest in the history of British boxing, a fact promoter Eddie Hearn is well aware of.Speaking moments after Joshua’s third successive KO, the Matchroom Boxing chief said: “I’m so proud of him because there was a huge amount of pressure.AJ Celebrates huge knockout win over Francis Ngannou“If we won this fight then he would fight the winner of Fury vs Usyk.“You’re looking at the No1 heavyweight in the world.“Tyson Fury please beat Usyk because you will get the biggest fight in the history of the sport.“As a fighter, he’s an inspiration to young people.“What I said would happen, happened. He destroyed Francis Ngannou.“He’s a beast and I cannot wait for him to beat Tyson Fury.” More

TYSON FURY aimed a dig at Anthony Joshua following his win over Francis Ngannou.AJ ended the bout with a devastating knockout in the second round of their Saudi Arabian clash.Tyson Fury aimed a dig at Anthony Joshua after his win over Francis NgannouCredit: ReutersJoshua KO’d Ngannou with a devastating blowCredit: GettyJoshua, 34, put down Ngannou twice before landing a killer blow – something Fury failed to do when he met The Predator in October.The Gypsy King laboured to a points win over Ngannou and was even knocked down by the former UFC champion.But he described Joshua’s showdown with the heavyweight as a “show fight”, and belittled his compatriot by suggesting the real boxing will be between him and Oleksandr Usyk.Fury tweeted: “Me and Oleksandr Usyk have got an undisputed heavyweight world title fight coming up, and he’s just had a show fight – which is fantastic for the show, but for the actual real boxing it’s me and Usyk who fight for the No1 position and undisputed.”READ MORE IN BOXINGThe two heavyweight world champions, Fury and Usyk, are set to do battle on May 18 after their initial meeting was postponed due to Fury suffering a cut above his eye.Fury, 35, was ringside for AJ’s duel with Ngannou and he was spotted applauding enthusiastically after the first knock down.He also looked “terrified” by Joshua’s knockout blow according to fans, as he sat in his chair looking stunned.Frank Warren sitting next to him looked perplexed while Paris Fury appeared visibly horrified before she started clapping.Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Ngannou was laid out on the canvas following the blow and he required oxygen before getting back to his feet.Asked about fighting Joshua, Fury said at the Kingdom Arena: “I’m sure Oleksandr Usyk will have something to say something about that.Tyson Fury looks on intently ahead of Joshua vs Ngannou”I had a s*** performance against Ngannou. AJ did absolutely fantastic and lit him up with a right hand.”If he fights me after I beat Usyk twice then it will be a different game.” More

BOXING fans reckon Eddie Hearn teleported his way into the ring moments before Anthony Joshua’s clash with Francis Ngannou.The Matchroom Boxing chief was stood behind AJ as the former unified champion walked backstage ahead of his ring walk early this morning.Eddie Hearn was behind Anthony Joshua as he prepared to make his walk to the ring to face Francis NgannouCredit: daznBut a split second later he was already in the ring – leading fans to kjoke that he ‘teleported’Credit: DAZNEddie Hearn rose from his seat as Anthony Joshua put Ngannou out for the countCredit: SKY SPORTSBut seconds later, cameras showed the veteran promoter inside the ring awaiting the Brit’s arrival.And his apparent disappearing act didn’t go unnoticed by fight fans watching the card back home.One tweeted: “How did Eddie hearn just teleport?”Another said: “Eddie Hearn just teleported.”READ MORE IN BOXINGOne bemused viewer said: “He was right next to AJ one minute, then in the ring? The fook?”Joshua, 34, faced former UFC heavyweight king on the back of consecutive wins over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin.Ngannou, meanwhile, last entered the ring last October against Tyson Fury – who he cut and dropped in the third round of their ‘Battle of the Baddest’.And the MMA star’s display against The Gypsy King had Hearn “nervous” for the fight.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnthony Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou with a vicious overhand rightCredit: GETTYBut those pre-fight nerves were misplaced as AJ demolished ‘The Preadator’ inside two rounds.And seeing Joshua do what Fury couldn’t has reaffirmed Hearn’s belief that the Watford warrior is the best heavyweight on the planet.Anthony Joshua makes incredible ring walk to I Spy by Skepta for Ngannou fightHe said: “I’m so proud of him because there was a huge amount of pressure.”If we won this fight then he would fight the winner of Fury vs Usyk.”You’re looking at the number one heavyweight in the world.”Tyson Fury please beat Usyk because you will get the biggest fight in the history of the sport. “As a fighter, he’s an inspiration to young people.”What I said would happen, happened. He destroyed Francis Ngannou. “He’s a beast and I cannot wait for him to beat Tyson Fury.”Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua is the best heavyweight on the planetCredit: REUTERS More

CRISTIANO RONALDO was not present at last night’s fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, despite having a seat reserved for him.The heavyweight clash took place in Riyadh, where Ronaldo now plies his trade with Al-Nassr.A ringside seat had been reserved for Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyRonaldo, 39, was a no show at the eventCredit: AFPAnthony Joshua defeated Francis Ngannou in RiyadhCredit: GettyA front row ringside seat appeared to be left free for the 39-year-old, with “CR7″ emblazoned on it.Ronaldo’s seat would have been next to Saudi Royal adviser Turki Alalshikh.Despite the front row vantage point being left free for him with a personalised embossed chair – rather than paper printout like most celebs in the stands – Ronaldo did not show up.Irrespective of his absence, there were famous football faces in the house.READ MORE IN BOXINGBrazilian icon Ronaldo showed up to watch the action, witnessing Joshua’s brutal second round knockout of Ngannou.Jose Mourinho was also in attendance, and could be seen filming goings on with his phone.Portuguese Ronaldo met Francis Ngannou in October, and even had a picture taken with the Cameroonian’s mum.He sat ringside alongside partner Georgina Rodriguez for Ngannou”s bout with Tyson Fury.Most read in BoxingJose Mourinho and Ronaldo pose with Eddie HearnCredit: GettyRonaldo has recently found himself in hot water with the Saudi Pro League.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was hit with a one-match ban and £4,190 for making an “obscene gesture” during a match last month.Cristiano Ronaldo BANNED for alleged offensive gesture in Saudi Pro League as ex-Man Utd star also hit with fineHe subsequently missed his side’s 4-4 draw with Al-Hazm.Ronaldo returned for his team’s most recent match, netting a penalty in a 3-2 win at Al-Shabab.During the game he was once again taunted with Lionel Messi chants by opposition fans.Ronaldo posed for a snap with Ngannou and his mum last yearCredit: TWITTER / @FRANCISNGANNOURonaldo showed up to Ngannou’s fight with Tyson Fury last OctoberCredit: Getty More