There aren't many events that I'm willing to shell out PPV money for, however an Anthony Joshua fight night is one of them.
I remember seeing Joshua live at the London 2012 Olympics. The games were happening a stone throw away from home and it was a spur of the minute decision to pick up some tickets and watch 'AJ' sneak home the Gold in dramatic fashion.
As you can imagine I've watched his career pretty closely since then and to be fair it has been a picture perfect ascension to the top of the boxing world.
Fast forward six years and I'm shelling out money once more to watch Joshua. This time from the comfort of my living room on Sky Box Office.
For all the talk 'who's-dodging-who' in the heavyweight division it's worth remembering when Joshua was picking up his Gold in 2012, Deontay Wilder had more pro fights at that time, then Joshua has pro fights now. Tyson Fury also had almost as many.
In his short professional career, Joshua has racked up a list of victories that are the envy of any active heavyweight.
Last weekend, the Brit added another notch on his resume.
Before facing Joshua, Alexander Povetkin had racked up 34 wins (with 24 knockout) and his only defeat was a points loss to long reigning Champ Wladimir Klitschko.
Many observers (correctly) predicted that Povetkin's attributes, fast hands, smaller (hard to hit), light, big punching, was a bad match up for Joshua and so it proved on the night.
Here is my twitter round up of the night...
Tweet 1
Before the main event, Usyk and Bellew square off. Looking forward to that one. I predict fireworks!
Tweet 2
AJ comes out looking like a young Ali. #allwhite
No fresh trim. #allbusiness
Tweet 3
Povetkin cloaked in black looking like an extra from the Death Star. Could we witness an upset?
Tweet 4
Round 1
Cagey start. Povetkin looks loose. AJ needs to mind his Ps and Qs. Don't like how low his left is. Got rocked by a left hook, probably cost him the round.
Tweet 5
Round 2
Povetkin bloodied AK nose. He has the faster hands. AJ started slow, doesn't look sharp.unable to establish his jab.
Tweet 6
Round 3
AJ wants a scrap. I don't think this is the fight for that. Povetkin is able to get inside and catch him with hooks. This is the most troubled I've seen Joshua, yet to make a dent in Povetkin.
Tweet 7
Round 4
They're having a shoot out in the fourth. Povetkin is cut over the left eye. Better round for AJ. Getting his right hand up to block the danger left hook. Could do with getting his right hand up too.
Tweet 8
Round 5
Unnecessary risks by Joshua, standing in the pocket, trading hooks. Povetkin looks strong in there tonight. AJ tossing aside his natural advantages and having a scrap.
Tweet 9
Round 6
Povetkin fancies this. Joshua boxing better. Had AJ stealing that one but very close.
Tweet 10
Round 7
IT'S ALL OVER!
AJ turned up in round 7. Catching Povetkin with a monster right hand. Had Povetkin hurt and didn't let him off the hook. Sent Povetkin to the canvas with a left hook and flush right. Povetkin bravely got up but AJ finished it with a barrage of punches.
Tweet 11
As you can see going into the last round I had Povetkin ahead however like a true champion Joshua finds a way to win even in adversity. Joshua says he wants Wilder next. I believe him. He has come so far in such a short space of time. If he beats the winner of Wilder-Fury, he pretty much cleans out the division. I wouldn't bet against him doing just that in 2019.
This is one of AJ's best performances. It was a cereberal plan, keeping his hand low to keep jabbing the body round after round causing Povetkin to attempt to pay attention. Eventually AJ delivered the right hand upstairs while Povetkin was expecting the jab to the body.
Looking forward to AJ's next fight.
He could end up being the greatest British boxer ever!
This could have turned into a nightmare for Joshua if Povetkin had of been a bit younger and more capable of maintaining the pace. It took him to tire a bit before Joshua could even get a look in.
It shouldn't really tell us much about how he will fair against fury and wilder as Povetkins style is completely different, as is his stature. Good name on the resume and adds to the excitement of future fights.
I upvoted your post.
Best regards,
@Council
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Upvoted.
hello al nice to meet you.
This is super serious busines @nanzo-scoop. Thanks too for sharing. Wow
@nanzo-scoop still feel he is a bit too slow and rigid, but beating Povetkin proves he is the Heavyweight No1 for sure.
One of my biggest wishes for Next year is to see AJ vs Wilder after he beats Fury
Wow, it was a great night.
those are many titles!
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