Francis Ngannou apologises to boxing fans after being brutally beaten in just two rounds by Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou has apologised to boxing fans after being brutally beaten by Anthony Joshua in just two rounds on Friday night.

The Cameroonian went into the fight convinced he could compete with the very best after impressing against Tyson Fury back in October.

Yet Ngannou struggled and was knocked down three times, with Joshua winning his fourth fight in a row.

The former MMA star deserves credit for his bravery and courage but it was clear his opponent was in a different league during the fight in Saudi Arabia.

And Ngannou has now apologised to fans after his defeat.

"Sorry guys I let you all down. Today was a bad day in the office but tomorrow will be another day," he said.

"Thank you all for the love."

Medics briefly stepped in after Ngannou was floored for the third time.

Fortunately he was well enough to post on social media in the aftermath of his defeat and it'll now be interesting to see what the future holds for him.

​While it was pain for Ngannou, it was a joyous night for Joshua.

Big questions were asked of the Briton after his two losses to Oleksandr Usyk and defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr earlier in his career.

With four victories on the spin under his belt, however, the 34-year-old is certainly a man on the up once again.

Joshua also spoke out after his victory.

And the Briton thanked trainer Ben Davison for helping him improve, with Joshua also saying promoter Eddie Hearn would 'shape his future' amid talk of a seismic showdown with Tyson Fury.

"On the road to the championship, you should always stay focused," he said.

"I thought this was something for the broadcasters to get behind.

"When I saw the fight with Tyson Fury I thought I want some of that. He [Ngannou] is a great champion and this doesn't take anything away from his capabilities.

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

"The Ben Davison performance centre, I appreciate them highly.

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"All of these guys that I worked with until this day. I'm just hungry. Stay hungry and all that good stuff.

"It only takes one shot in the heavyweight division. Joseph Parker is one of my favourite fighters, he had it tough and look at him now.

"I'm just doing it while I'm here and making the most of it. In five years I won't be fighting.

"Eddie Hearn and my team will shape my future. I'm going back to my cage and when they let me out, I'll fight again.

"The people of Cameroon, I appreciate you. Africa united, respect.

"Everyone here tonight, I appreciate you. Thank you to Francis Ngannou."

Hearn said he was 'so proud' of Joshua.

And he also expressed a belief that his man is currently the best heavyweight in the world, saying so in front of Fury - who was watching on the sidelines.

"I'm so proud of him because there was a huge amount of pressure," he said.

"If we won this fight then he would fight the winner of Fury v Usyk. You're looking at the number one heavyweight in the world."