Antony Joshua claimed the WBC international heavyweight title with a quick-fire demolition job against Denis Bakhtov on Saturday night.
The 24-year-old London 2012 gold medallist pummelled the veteran before the referee stopped the bout a minute into the second round and granted Joshua a TKO. It was a devastating performance at London’s O2 Arena as Bakhtov had not been stopped in nine years.
Joshua told Sky Sports: “It only went two rounds but I just wanted to hurt him. He hadn’t been stopped so I just wanted to see what he could take.
“He was a strong guy and he wasn’t an easy opponent but I wanted to make light work of him.”
The Watford fighter has been a professional for only 12 months, starting his career in the pro ranks by crushing Emanuele Leo inside a round in his debut fight.
Joshua’s record now reads nine fights, nine wins and now a first title. Next up for Joshua is a bout with Michael Sprott on November 22 as he targets a potential run at the British title.
“This is phase two. In year one, we went from Emanuele Leo to Mr Bakhtov for the international title,” stated Joshua.
“Phase two, you can kind of see what route we are going in. Michael Sprott is first and, by the end of it, I’m sure we will be fighting for another belt or some sort of British title. That’s what I’m looking forward to already.”
It is an exciting time for British heavyweight boxing and promoter Eddie Hearn has already touted a huge potential fight between Joshua and David Price next year.
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