Anthony Joshua spoke candidly last night, after defeating Wladimir Klitschko in a sensational world heavyweight title fight in Wembley arena.
The result saw Joshua bring his flawless fight record to 19-0. And as well as defending his IBF title, he also claimed the WBA 'super' belt.
There might be a rematch however, after Klitschko expressed his interest in fighting Joshua again after the fight. "Of course, we have it in the contract, I'm right now interested," he told Sky Sports Box Office.
The bout almost went the 12-round distance and included some pivotal knockdowns affecting both fighters. Klitschko was the first to drop in the fifth round, but he rallied to put Joshua on the canvas in the following round with a punishing left hook.
27-year-old Joshua struggled through the rest of that round, but after composing himself in the ninth and tenth rounds, he stormed to victory in the 11th with some stunning combination play.
He also landed a fierce uppercut that sent the Ukranian wobbling on the ropes, and Joshua ensured there would be no comeback.
Fell in love a bit with Klitschko tonight. Bravery. Skill. All class.
— Joe Molloy (@MolloyJoe) April 29, 2017
After the fight, a gracious Joshua paid tribute to Klitschko for his part in the contest. Speaking to Sky Sports Box Office, he said:
"As boxing states, you leave your ego at the door and you respect your opponent, so a massive shou-tout to Vladamir Klitschko for taking part.
Styles make fights. Respect @Klitschko 🥊 #AJBoxing pic.twitter.com/7Tlx49llTw
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) April 29, 2017
"I'm not gonna say too much in case he wants to come back and fight me again but, in terms of the boxing hall of fame and the boxing arena, he's a role model in and out of the ring and I've got nothing but love and respect for anyone that steps in the ring."
"I'm a little bit emotional, because I know I've got doubters that think that I can't do this and do that, but I dig deep. It is what it is."
When asked about the knockdowns in the fight, Joshua added:
"This is boxing. I'm only gonna improve. Sometimes, you can be a phenomenal boxer, but boxing's about character and when you go to the trenches, that's how you find out who you really are. In this small little ring, there's nowhere to hide and as I said from the get go, it will be a boxing classic and the best man will win.
"There's no complications about boxing. Anyone can do this, anyone can do it, just give it a go. I came out and I won, that's how far I had to dig. I didn't go into a 12-round slug-fest and struggle to beat Klitschko. I came back and I fought my heart out, that's what I'm about."
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