Moments after Anthony Joshua brutally knocked Francis Ngannou out , he walked over and embraced the fighter.
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, and live on DAZN pay-per-view Friday.
"You're an inspiration," Joshua told Ngannou. "You'll beat a lot of people. Don't leave boxing. Don't leave boxing."
To that, Ngannou replied: "No I will not."
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" over the decisive fashion that he won in.