Anthony Joshua knocks out Francis Ngannou in destructive Saudi Arabia battle

British boxer Anthony Joshua made a resounding statement to the heavyweight division by delivering a powerful second-round knockout win over Francis Ngannou during a fierce fight in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua, 34, impressively knocked down the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion in the first round and again early in the second, BBC reported.

Although Ngannou managed to get back on his feet after the first knockdown, he was caught by a devastating right and the referee had to stop the fight.

Ngannou, 37, appeared to be unconscious before hitting the canvas and required medical attention. 

"I'm going back to my cage and when they let me out, I'll fight again," Joshua said, with World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who persevered against Ngannou in October, in attendance.

"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," said Joshua. "I told him not to leave boxing. He's two fights in and he's fought the best."

This is two-time world champion Joshua's fourth victory in 11 months and has motivated him to snatch a world title again.

British sports promoter Eddie Hearn has promoted Joshua to face Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in a fight.

"In five years I won't be fighting," Joshua added. "Eddie Hearn and my team will shape my future."

However, Fury and Usyk are set to face each other to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion in May, with a potential rematch later in the year.