…says knocking out Povetkin was tough
…as opponent hails world champion
Anthony Joshua has targeted Deontay Wilder and Dillian Whyte in his pursuit of an opponent for his 13 April date at Wembley after clinically defeating Alexander Povetkin.
He showed greater maturity and further signs of improvement as he absorbed the Russian’s aggression before adapting and ruthlessly stopping him in the seventh round to retain his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles.
Joshua had recovered from being hurt by a left hand in the opening round and initially boxed through a heavily bleeding nose as the 39-year-old Povetkin continued to both miss and land with further lefts.
It was from the third that the champion began to dictate the range and pace of the action, and the seventh when he changed the fight with a huge right hand before securing the stoppage after the first knockdown.
Povetkin had previously only lost to Wladimir Klitschko, and over the distance while the Ukrainian was at his peak, and while Joshua showed signs of vulnerability, his latest victory showed why many consider him the best in the world.
Wilder is scheduled to defend his WBC title against Tyson Fury on 1 December, but overlooking his domestic rival in favour of the American and Whyte, the 28-year-old Joshua said: “I don’t really want to talk any more,” Joshua said in his post-fight interview. “There has been too much talking. But if you are asking me who I’d pick for my fight on April 13, my No 1 is [Deontay] Wilder.”
“My number one [choice] would be Wilder. No contract’s signed.
“[There’s also a] mutual respect fighter to fighter, so if Dillian wants it then he’s more than welcome. Let’s finish the year on a high.
“We’ll put a poll out on Twitter; anyone’s welcome [as an opponent]. There’s always complications and [mandatory] fights we have to do, but sport is about what the fans want.
“Alexander Povetkin is a very tough challenger; he proved that. But I’ve come in here to have fun, do what I’ve been working on in the gym and give it my best.
“I realised he was strong to the head, but I know that he was weak to the body, so instead of jabbing to the head, I was switching it up.
“He threw a good right, but let’s not worry about that, that’s out the way, let’s figure out what’s happening 13 April.”
Povetkin admitted that Joshua was the stronger fighter in their showdown. After the fight Povetkin was given some minor medical aid. In particular, a doctor put an oxygen mask on him.
“I want to thank everyone who was concerned and worried about me. I’m all right, I lost the fight. Although I felt like I was leading it, I missed a punch [and then got countered], and then you can’t do anything anymore. Joshua was stronger,” Povetkin said.
“I feel good,” – when he was questioned about his health.
credit: www.RTE.ie.com
