Boxing fans hail Joshua’s show of class as he urged Ngannou not to quit moments after a brutal knockout

Boxing fans are hailing Anthony Joshua's show of class after his victory against Francis Ngannou on Friday.

Ngannou had never been floored in his career, but that quickly changed in the first round, and he never recovered from that devastating blow.

Joshua went over to the Cameroonian after the match and advised him, after embracing him.

The former two-time unified heavyweight world champion then made sure to give Ngannou some encouragement despite not making it two full rounds with him inside the ring in Saudi Arabia.

"You're an inspiration," Joshua told Ngannou. "You'll beat a lot of people. Don't leave boxing. Don't leave boxing."

Joshua added: "If you need anything, let me know, but we'll speak another time."

 Ngannou was still shaken up over being knocked down three times but seemed to appreciate the kind words and sentiment from Joshua.

After addressing Ngannou, Joshua told the fans in attendance "It is what it is ."

 "Don't leave boxing!"

Fans took to X, formerly Twitter to share their thoughts.

One user said: "Fair play, class words from AJ"

Another commented: "Class from AJ.....a true champion always supports his sport and its competitors."

A third put: "Big fan of both fighters. AJ is class and good dude.

"We knew it could go this way but I wish it hadn't. Francis will be back. LG Francis!"

Joshua also called the MMA fight-turned-boxer an 'inspiration' and urged him 'don't forget that', as he had inspired himself as a fighter.

Joshua emerged victorious with a brutal second-round KO.

Joshua put on a show for all the fans watching, as he started the fight with all guns blazing, landing several shots at Ngannou in the early stages.

It led to Ngannou being knocked down in the first round.

In the second round though, Joshua landed a nasty right hand to Ngannou's jaw, dropping him to the canvas as his legs buckled and the fight was stopped.

Joshua is now expected to face off against Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, with their fight finally taking place in on May 18 in their undisputed heavyweight bout, before a rematch takes place later in 2024.