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Home » Anthony Joshua halts Alexander Povetkin in firecracker fight

Anthony Joshua halts Alexander Povetkin in firecracker fight

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Anthony Joshua scored a spectacular seventh round knockout in a very hard fight against Alexander Povetkin to defend his world titles.

The win was ‘AJ’s 22nd in a row since he turned professional and saw him keep his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO titles.

Povetkin started the stronger and seriously wobbled AJ at the end of the first round and appeared to break Joshua’s nose. Povetkin continued to throw punches with bad intentions in the early rounds.

The 39-year-old was having a lot of success before he was cut in the fourth round after a punch from Joshua.

 ????: Lawrence Lustig

Joshua started to control the range better with his jab whilst still taking the odd shot from his Russian challenger.

The end came when Joshua fired a rapid combination sending Povetkin tumbling towards the ropes and on his back in the seventh round. The Russian struggled to his feet and the referee allowed the fight to continue, but it was as good as over.

Joshua launched a barrage of powerful shots towards Povetkin’s stationary head, and the referee and Povetkin’s corner rushed to save him from more punishment.

AJ remains on course for an undisputed showdown with WBC champ Deontay Wilder.


COOL HAND

Luke Campbell set up a shot at the WBC Lightweight Title after avenging his defeat to Yvan Mendy with a comfortable unanimous decision.

It was Campbell’s first fight under the tutelage of renowned trainer, Shane McGuigan, and the new partnership clearly worked, as Campbell used his superior footwork to keep his distance from the relentless Mendy.

The 2012 Olympic gold medalist secured a unanimous decision victory with scores of 119-109, 118-111 and 116-12.

Victory secures Campbell a shot at the WBC lightweight title, currently held by pound-for-pound star Mikey Garcia.

Both men started fairly tentatively but it was clear from the off Campbell had learned his lesson the last fight, showing excellent footwork as he escaped Mendy’s constant pressure.

Mendy did have success in spells, mostly with looping right hands, but Campbell’s counter-punching and footwork throughout the bout saw him edge most of the rounds.

It marks the end of a chapter for Campbell, and now the 30-year-old will have another opportunity at a world title.

Thomas Davison is a staff writer for World Boxing News. Follow Thomas on Twitter @thomasdavison93