Joshua knocks out Povetkin to retain world heavyweight titles

British boxer of Nigerian descent, Anthony Joshua knocked out Russia’s Alexander Povetkin on Saturday night to retain his world heavyweight titles.

The IBF, WBO and WBA champion delivered a stunning finish to stop his WBA mandatory challenger in the 7th round at Wembley Stadium in London.

After a shaky start in which Joshua suffered a bloodied nose before cutting his opponent, the Briton grew in confidence and successfully stopped 39-year-old Povetkin, who had never been beaten inside the distance.

The win extends Joshua’s winning streak to 22, with 21 of the victories coming as knockouts – the one ended in his favour by unanimous decisions.

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“Povetkin is a very tough challenger, he proved that with good left hooks and counter punches,” said 28-year-old Joshua after his victory.

“I came in here to have fun, and give it my best. I knew he was strong to the head but weak to the body. I was just mixing it up.

“It could have been seven, maybe nine, maybe 12 rounds to get him out of there, but the ultimate aim was to be victorious.”

Joshua holds three of the four major world titles – the IBF, WBA and WBO – with Deontay Wilder’s WBC belt the only thing remaining for him to become undisputed heavyweight champion.

He is billed for another fight on the 13th of April 2019, and it may be with Wilder.

 

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