Anthony Joshua only enhanced his growing worldwide reputation on Saturday night with a fine display of pugilism.
The Watford-born fighter defended his IBF heavyweight title for the first time with a seventh-round knockout of Dominic Breazeale in London.
His 30-year-old challenger was undefeated in his professional career going into the bout, but was floored twice and faced a brutal pummelling from the champion, to which he stood up manfully.
But in the seventh round, the referee waved the fight off as the American could take no more punishment.
It is somewhat fitting that Joshua exhibited such speed and strength – Breazeale such bravery and fortitude – on the night of a poignant tribute to the late great Muhammad Ali.
Prior to the fight, the O2 crowd were asked for their silence, as 10 bells solemnly tolled as a mark of respect after Ali’s sad passing on June 3rd. It was of course impeccably observed, and a fitting tribute to the Greatest.
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