“I didn’t feel the punch” – Francis Ngannou’s Playful Take About Getting KO’ed By Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou, the former UFC champion, is fresh off his second professional boxing encounter against the formidable Anthony Joshua. While the fight ended with Ngannou on the canvas, he managed to deliver a knockout punch of humour during the post-fight press conference.

As reporters probed Ngannou about the intensity of Joshua’s blows, the Cameroonian fighter grinned mischievously in the post-fight press conference.

“In fact, I didn’t feel the punch,’’ said Ngannou regarding the same punch that left him flat on his back and unconscious, “I think that’s what the knockout is about. I don’t feel any pain. That’s how I know I was knocked out.’’

Francis Ngannou says Joshua did what Fury couldn’t

Let’s rewind to the fight—Joshua’s powerful right hand connected with precision sent Ngannou to the mat. Oxygen was administered, and he staggered back to his feet. But it was clear that Joshua’s punches had left an indelible mark.

Ngannou acknowledged Joshua’s prowess, drawing comparison to his boxing debut against Tyson Fury last October which didn’t end with a stoppage but rather had Ngannou knocking down the Gypsy King in the controversial split decision defeat, “He did what Tyson Fury couldn’t. It wasn’t my day and (Joshua) was just way better than me today.”

Ngannou’s humor didn’t stop there. He playfully compared Joshua’s performance to that of Canadian rapper Drake, who lost a hefty sum betting on Ngannou. The former UFC heavyweight champ artist had walked out to Drake’s hit song “God’s Plan” at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, perhaps unwittingly sealing his own fate. Fans, ever superstitious, saw the outcome coming.

What’s next for Ngannou?

At 37, Ngannou is not ready to hang up his gloves. He’s contemplating his next move—perhaps an MMA fight at PFL—but he’s adamant that he’s not done with boxing.

“But you can be sure that I’m not done here,’’ he declared. “Absolutely not. I’m not done.” [H/T USA Today]

In the end, Ngannou’s jests remind us that even in the intense world of combat sports, laughter has its place. So, here’s to Francis Ngannou, the fighter who took a punch, cracked a joke, and remains a force to be reckoned with.

ALSO READ: Will a Win Over Francis Ngannou Earn Anthony Joshua His Next Heavyweight Title Shot?