Anthony Joshua gave advice to Francis Ngannou after the defeat

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, coming off an early victory over Francis Ngannou, has offered words of encouragement to the former UFC champion, advising him not to retire from professional boxing.

“Don’t let it discourage you,” Joshua said at the post-fight press conference in Riyadh, addressing his opponent. “Don’t let success take over your head, and don’t let failure get into your heart.”

“I think Francis represents value to boxing. He’s a big, strong and talented guy. Don’t feel bad, and I respect you no matter what. I’ve said it before, and I continue to stand on it. I know we had to fight, but I’m telling him keep your head up.”

As a reminder, Anthony Joshua sent Francis Ngannou to knockdown twice, in the first and second rounds, before knocking him out with a straight right punch at the 2:38 mark of the second round.

By defeating “The Predator,” the Briton became the top contender to fight the outright heavyweight boxing champion of the world, who will be determined on May 18 in a unification bout between Tyson Fury and Alexander Usik.

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