Anthony Joshua boosted his hopes of potentially facing Tyson Fury with a stunning victory over Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
AJ went into the bout knowing he couldn't afford to lose, with his opponent taking part in just his second professional boxing fight.
The 34-year-old was brimming with confidence prior to the contest, too, after victories over Jermaine Franklin Jr, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin last year.
And the Briton showed he's certainly a man on the up by ruthlessly dispatching his opponent in the Middle East.
Anthony Joshua rocked Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia to win their boxing fight on Friday
REUTERS
Joshua came flying out the blocks.
Ngannou looked comfortable during the early stages of the fight but was sensationally knocked to the canvas in the first round.
Ngannou, to his credit, then got back up.
However, he was stunned in the second round with Joshua unleashing an unstoppable punch to send the 37-year-old crashing to the floor once again.
In the end, it was to be third time lucky.
Ngannou was unable to survive and, when Joshua connected once again, it ended with the fight being over.
The result means that Joshua is now well-placed to fight Fury, who will lock horns with Oleksandr Usyk on May 18.
Fury was impressed by the performance of his fellow Briton, with DAZN cameras capturing the Gypsy King applauding enthusiastically.
Joshua also showed a touch of class, too.
Ngannou was heard mulling over his boxing future but AJ classily told his emotional opponent to continue in the sport, despite the agonising nature of the defeat.
Boxing fans were left in awe of Joshua's powerful performance, with many saying he's the best heavyweight on the planet right now.
"This Joshua is the best heavyweight in the world," said one X user.
"ANTHONY JOSHUA IS THE BEST HEAVYWEIGHT IN THE WORLD! YOU HAVE NOTHING LEFT TO SAY," said a second.
A third said: "Anthony Joshua is a different beast now. Best in the world. Fury looks scared."
And a fourth praised AJ by saying: "And that’s why Anthony Joshua is the best in the world."
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Anthony Joshua was outstanding during his win over Francis Ngannou in Riyadh
REUTERS
Joshua insists Ngannou can 'come again'.
The 37-year-old made his name in MMA and a return to the sport could be on the cards given he's now lost his first two boxing fights.
And Joshua has continued to show class by labelling his beaten rival an 'inspiration'.
"It is what it is," said Joshua.
"When I saw the fight with Fury, I thought damn, this guy could fight, I wanted a piece of that.
Anthony Joshua has lavished praise on Francis Ngannou after winning their bout in Riyadh
REUTERS
"He's an inspiration, a great champion, and this shouldn't take away from his capabilities.
"He can come again. I told him he shouldn't leave boxing. He's two fights in, and he's fought the best.
"He can go a long way if he stays dedicated."
With talk of a fight with Fury set to gather pace, he added: "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."
