Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by grubdunkman

“Knockout Chaos” evening of boxing ended in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Did the show succeed? Definitely. Did the celebration of sport succeed? Yes. Surprises mixed with confirming expected results as Anthony Joshua knockout win summed up the evening.

Israil Madrimov vs. Magomed Kurbanov

The Uzbek athlete demonstrated speed and uncompromising attitude. 40 seconds before the end of the fifth round, Madrimov landed a powerful right overhead. The referee intervened in time and stopped the fight, turning the fighter’s excess energy into a spectacular somersault. The vacant WBO title in the super welterweight category (up to 154 pounds / 69.853 kg) found its owner.

Rey Vargas vs. Nick Ball

The fight in the featherweight division (up to 126 pounds / 57.153 kg) ended in a draw by split decision. The controversial bout was especially notable due to the judges’ scorecards. The WBC title holder went through 12 rounds with the number 1 ranked fighter in this organization, Nick Ball.

Firstly, it is necessary to note the difference in the athletes’ anthropometry. The champion was significantly taller than his opponent. Therefore, Nick needed to reach the necessary distance. Often, this ended in dirty moments. According to Compubox, Vargas landed 118 out of 536 punches (22%). Ball, in turn, landed 111 out of 472 (23.5%).

Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker

The long-awaited bout between two respectable heavyweights went the distance. The first two rounds were spent in reconnaissance with varying success for both athletes. A minute before the end of the third round, the Chinese giant delivered a precise straight. Knockdown. But in the fourth round, Parker showed readiness to continue the fight with powerful overhands and repetitions, forcing Zhang to yield the initiative to his opponent.

The continuation of the fight was mostly in Parker’s favor. Zhang Zhilei’s plan to find tempo opportunities to counter Parker shattered due to the opponent’s reaction speed and preparation. Parker had excellent preparation, especially in studying his opponent. The twelfth round, or rather its statistics, demonstrates the difference. 0 hits from Zhang Zhilei. Overall – a celebration of sport.

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou

The main event of the evening ended very quickly, but it was not disappointing. A spectacular knockout in the second round. Anthony Joshua conducted minimal reconnaissance during the first round and seeing the first gap in Francis Ngannou’s defense, he immediately exploited it. A powerful straight right from the perfect distance sent the Predator into a knockdown.

In the second round, Ngannou tried to use a double jab. Joshua read the situation with excellent timing and reflexively sent Ngannou to the canvas with a right hand. Referee’s count. Ngannou got up. Another right hook put an end to the fight.

“It is what it is” (c) Anthony said after the fight. A spectacular Anthony Joshua knockout in the second round as confirmation of comprehensive preparation and productive work with Ben Davison.