It didn’t take long for Alexander Povetkin to show the crowd in Wembley he’d arrived in London to win world titles, but Anthony Joshua dug in and proved once again he can survive trouble and come through the other side.
The Russian challenger landed early and frequently on Joshua, seemingly breaking the champion’s nose during the first round with a favoured combination of an overhand right-left hook. That success went on through rounds two and three, with Joshua’s strikes coming slower than the smaller man and flowing less easily.
As round four, five and six came around, Joshua appeared to find a groove, landing repeated jabs to the body and pushing Povetkin back. Then in round seven, Joshua landed his best shot, immediately hurting the Russian before eventually dropping him. While Povetkin got to his feet, it took Joshua just a few more seconds to bring the fight to an end.
And STILL …@anthonyfjoshua stops Povetkin with a 7th round knockout, retaining his heavyweight championships. #DAZN🇺🇸 https://t.co/j4BIUf4XnH pic.twitter.com/l6iWVfkt1T
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) September 22, 2018
"This is chapter 2."
So what's next for @anthonyfjoshua?
"My number one would be @BronzeBomber. That's it." https://t.co/j4BIUf4XnH pic.twitter.com/XkXfJ8c6ii
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) September 22, 2018
“Alex Povetkin is a very tough challenger,” Joshua said post-fight. “He proved that tonight with good left hooks, counter punches. But i come in here to have fun, do what I’ve worked on in the gym … it could have took seven, maybe nine, maybe twelve rounds to get him out of there, but the goal was to get the victory tonight.”
Now, all eyes turn to December 1 and the upcoming clash between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. Whomever wins that will be in possession of the remaining heavyweight boxing title, and should likely set up a mega clash between the winner and Joshua next year.
