Anthony Joshua produced the fight of his life to beat Wladimir Klitschko by TKO in the 11th round.
Joshua was billed as the young powerful big hitter that could well struggle if the fight went into the latter rounds. But the British boxer proved any doubters wrong when he came storming out in the 11th round to end what was an enthralling and extremely close bout.
The London born 27-year-old, fighting in front of a post-war record 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, began the opening rounds in typical fashion and had Klitschko on the canvas in the fifth round. But Wladimir responded like the true boxing great he is and replied by sending Joshua down in the sixth as the bout look to swing in favour of the Ukranian.
With people questioning Joshua's ability to go beyond six rounds, he unleashed a brutal uppercut followed by a flurry of punches to send the former unified world champion to the canvas in the 11th round. But again Klitschko returned to his feet before Joshua connected with a left hook to send Klitschko tumbling again, and once more the 41-year-old astonishingly refused to give in. With Klitschko clearly in trouble, Joshua pounced once more and when Klitschko was pinned up against the ropes suffering a series of punches referee David Fields had to intervene.
After the fight an emotional Joshua admitted: "What can I say? 19-0, three and a half years in the game. I'm not perfect but I'm trying, and if you don't take part, you're going to fail.
"As boxing states, you leave your ego at the door and you respect your opponent. So a massive shout-out to Wladimir Klitschko. In terms of the boxing hall of fame, he is a role model in and out of the ring. Im a little bit emotional but I know I have got doubters who think I cant do this or do that," added the WBA world heavyweight and IBF champ.
For Klitschko, who came so close and may perhaps rue a missed opportunity to capitalise when he was on top mid-way through the fight, it was a disappointing outcome but he was gracious in defeat.
He said: "The best man one tonight and it’s a amazing event for boxing. Two gentleman fight each other and Anthony was better than me. It was sad I didn’t make it tonight, but a lot of respect to Anthony and to you guys (fans)."
The London born 27-year-old, fighting in front of a post-war record 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, began the opening rounds in typical fashion and had Klitschko on the canvas in the fifth round. But Wladimir responded like the true boxing great he is and replied by sending Joshua down in the sixth as the bout look to swing in favour of the Ukranian.
With people questioning Joshua's ability to go beyond six rounds, he unleashed a brutal uppercut followed by a flurry of punches to send the former unified world champion to the canvas in the 11th round. But again Klitschko returned to his feet before Joshua connected with a left hook to send Klitschko tumbling again, and once more the 41-year-old astonishingly refused to give in. With Klitschko clearly in trouble, Joshua pounced once more and when Klitschko was pinned up against the ropes suffering a series of punches referee David Fields had to intervene.
After the fight an emotional Joshua admitted: "What can I say? 19-0, three and a half years in the game. I'm not perfect but I'm trying, and if you don't take part, you're going to fail.
"As boxing states, you leave your ego at the door and you respect your opponent. So a massive shout-out to Wladimir Klitschko. In terms of the boxing hall of fame, he is a role model in and out of the ring. Im a little bit emotional but I know I have got doubters who think I cant do this or do that," added the WBA world heavyweight and IBF champ.
For Klitschko, who came so close and may perhaps rue a missed opportunity to capitalise when he was on top mid-way through the fight, it was a disappointing outcome but he was gracious in defeat.
He said: "The best man one tonight and it’s a amazing event for boxing. Two gentleman fight each other and Anthony was better than me. It was sad I didn’t make it tonight, but a lot of respect to Anthony and to you guys (fans)."
