British professional boxer Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua has emerged victorious from the biggest post-war bout held on British soil by knocking out Wladimir Klitschko in front of a 90,000 people.
The two titans squared off at Wembley Stadium watched on by the cream of Hollywood’s A-list.
The Ukrainian was also sent crashing to the floor in the fifth round and twice more in the pivotal 11th as the 27-year-old British fighter took his record to 19 wins in 19 fights.
The British fighter was floored in the sixth round but fought back to drop the Ukrainian with dramatic late onslaught in the eleventh.
Klitschko returned to his feet for the third time in the bout but referee David Fields waved the fight off with the former champion unable to defend himself.
“What can I say? 19-0, three and a half years in the game. As I said, I’m not perfect but I’m trying and if you don’t take part you’re going to fail,” said Joshua. “As boxing states, you leave your ego at the door and you respect your opponent. So a massive shout out to Wladimir Klitschko.” Tributes were quickly paid to both men.
“How much heart did @Klitschko show in this fight? Gotta respect it. Hold ur head high brother! #joshuaklitschko,” tweeted Britain’s Lennox Lewis, a former world heavyweight champion sitting ringside.
US legend Sugar Ray Leonard added also on Twitter: “Such an amazing fight with 2 great fighters. Lot of heart by both fighters. A lot of questions answered by @anthonyfjoshua #JoshuaKlitchsko.”
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