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Anthony Joshua defends WBA, WBO, IBF heavyweight titles TKO of Alexander Povetkin

2018-09-22 Anthony Joshua1

Anthony Joshua further boosted his claim to be the biggest active star in boxing with a thudding seventh-round stoppage of Alexander Povetkin on Saturday.
In front of 80,000 of his noisy compatriots at Wembley Stadium, Joshua defended his WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles and more big things await.
USA TODAY Sports' Martin Rogers breaks down the fight round by round below, but first, it is worth considering what might come next for the British big man.
The heavyweight division has been snoozing for longer than any boxing fan cares to remember, but it is alive and well now. Much of that is a result of the buzz and excitement surrounding Joshua, who has knocked out all but one of his opponents.
Hopefully, for the sake of the sport, his next fight with be against the winner of December's battle between WBC champ Deontay Wilder and former title holder Tyson Fury.
The prospect of a UK v. USA feud between Joshua and Wilder would immediately become next year's most anticipated clash.
Joshua's appeal derives from his ferocious knockout power and abundant charisma. But there is also the element of the unknown, as his defense is suspect enough to make him far from fallible. 
Povetkin, defeated only once before Saturday, gave Joshua all he could handle for a couple of rounds, then things turned decisively.
If you like heavy hitting and comprehensive finishes, it is time to get on board the Joshua train. You'll be hearing a lot more about him before long.
Here's how things went down in London.
PRE-FIGHT
The atmosphere is building at Wembley. Sorry Las Vegas, but there is no finer place in the world for big fight ambiance than this soccer arena on the outskirts of the British capital. It is chilly, rainy and miserable outside, and the supporters here could not care less. A soccer-style level of noise and passion can be expected. Will Joshua react to it and feel the pressure for a knockout? A victory will keep him on course to meet the winner of Deontay Wilder v. Tyson Fury next year and further establish him as boxing's man of the moment.
ROUND ONE
Povetkin looked intense in the walk-in, Joshua relaxed as his elaborate ring walk unfolded. A cagey first round ensued. Joshua controlled the round for the most part, but a late flurry from Povetkin saw the Russian connect with three punches and left the Brit reeling momentarily before the bell rang. 10-9 Povetkin after one.
ROUND TWO
Joshua's nose was bloodied as he emerged from the corner and he didn't look comfortable. The challenger seemed encouraged by the sight, and put together another solid round. Joshua struggling to connect with his big shots, or indeed, his jab with any real frequency. Want an indicator of how this is going? The crowd is near silent. 20-18 to Povetkin after two on my card.
ROUND THREE
Another slow start to the round for Joshua, but he came back into it slightly. Both fighters struggled to land punches, but Povetkin went into his shell too much and likely will have paid for it on the scorecard. R3 to AJ. 29-28 to Povetkin on my card.
ROUND FOUR
Joshua's feet began to come to life, slipping out of the way of danger with greatly enhanced ease. The English commentators could be heard getting very excited about a cut over Povetkin's left eye, but it was caused by an accidental head collision and didn't appear to impede Povektin's vision.
ROUND FIVE
Joshua should be able to see Povetkin's overhand right coming, it is long and slow and he telegraphs it is coming. Even so, a few have slipped through, perhaps just enough to squeeze out the round. 48-47 to Povetkin after five on my card, but it seems like Joshua is ready to take control, just waiting.
ROUND SIX
Povetkin is beginning to run out of steam and Joshua barely had to get out of second gear to clinch that one. It is not spectacular stuff, but Joshua is showing exactly how hard he is to beat. His accuracy is not perfect tonight, but he has settled now and is looking to assert himself further. Round to AJ, making it 57-57 on my card.
ROUND SEVEN
Joshua begins the round with more attacking purpose and it takes its toll on Povetkin. At the midway point he steps up another gear and unleashes some thudding shots. Povetkin goes DOWN! The Russian fights his way to his feet with heart and bravery but he is wobbling. Joshua moves in for the kill. Another barrage follows and the referee jumps in, just as the challenger is about to fall to the canvas again. Anthony Joshua wins by TKO 7 and retain his belts and further boost his reputation as the baddest heavyweight on the planet.

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