Anthony Joshua Remains Unbeaten, KO’s Povetkin

by
Former Writers
September 22, 2018

Anthony Joshua Remains Unbeaten, KO’s Povetkin

Anthony Joshua’s winning streak remains intact after a seventh-round knockout (KO) against Alexander Povetkin. In front of 80 thousand fans at Wembley Stadium, Joshua’s four championship belts remain his. Joshua successfully defended only three of those belts including the International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Heavyweight Championships.

Anthony Joshua has successfully defended his IBF, WBA (Super) and WBO titles after beating Russian Alexander Povetkin by a seventh-round knockout in their heavyweight fight at Wembley

— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) September 22, 2018

The seventh-round KO was Joshua’s 21st in his career, as he has fought in 22 total fights. His only non-KO win was during his last bout against Joseph Parker. The victory over Povetkin also gave Joshua a perfect 3-0 record when fighting inside Wembley Stadium, the same venue where he beat Wladimir Klitschko in 2017.

Povetkin’s Early Start

Povetkin’s start to the fight was a solid one, as he busts open Joshua’s nose in the very first round. Povetkin didn’t let up there, as he continued his power punching success into the second round. The broken nose was clearly bothering Joshua in the second round, which Povetkin saw. It wasn’t until round three when the tides began to turn in favor of the undefeated champion.

Joshua began to land a ton of jabs in the third round, riddling body shots in between. With the fourth round beginning, Joshua was able to connect with a vicious punch that drew blood from Povetkin’s eye. Despite the bleeding, Povetkin was performing as the better fighter with Joshua able to land jabs.

The Turning Point

Round six began which was Joshua’s best round up to that point in the fight. Joshua was seen attempting more combinations and playing less defense, resulting in a ‘butterfly effect’ that eventually saw Joshua land a powerful blow in round seven. Povetkin stumbled to the mat and used the ropes to help himself back up. After signaling to the referee he could continue, Joshua began pouncing on his prey.

Round 7: AND IT IS OVER!!! Joshua with an onslaught and drops Povetkin. He gets to his feet and Joshua blasts away until referee Steve Gray stops it! Joshua retains his unified heavyweight title!! https://t.co/bMVE3jq7gj

— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) September 22, 2018

Joshua’s flurries of shots didn’t let up, as Povetkin could only absorb the brutal blows. With Joshua’s relentless attacks, and Povetkin playing no defense whatsoever, referee Steve Gray had no choice but to call the fight. Even after Gray’s decision, Povetkin could barely stand on his own. The hometown hero Joshua sent 80 thousand fans home happy, and also sent Povetkin home with only his second career loss.

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Photo Credit: Anthony Joshua via Twitter