Joshua secures showdown with Klitschko
ANTHONY Joshua was granted his wish of a showdown with Wladimir Klitschko after dispatching American Eric Molina in the third round to retain his IBF heavyweight title in Manchester.
Moments after Joshua’s win, promoter Eddie Hearn announced that a deal has been done for the pair to clash in a unification showdown at Wembley Stadium on April 29. Klitschko joined Joshua in the ring for a surprise face-off and said: “I watched AJ win the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and if you want to see us fight now, you’ve got it.”
The veteran added: “AJ did his job, period. I am happy that he won.
“Now we have announced the fight I think the fans want to see it, there is no other fight out there.”
Under Klitschko’s gaze, Joshua had patiently set about dismantling his outclassed opponent before delivering the decisive blow with a stunning right hand which dumped Molina to the canvas.
“The game Molina clambered to his feet but moments later referee Steve Gray stepped in to save him further punishment, completing another hugely convincing win for the 2012 Olympic champion.
Klitschko’s presence was a stark reminder that sterner tests await than the one presented by the 34-year-old Texan schoolteacher. But this was a message of intent from Joshua, who repeatedly glared at ringside rival David Haye during his moment of victory, and will surely have convinced Klitschko that he will pose him a significant threat for their meeting which is now signed and sealed for April.
Joshua did not get carried away after the win and vowed to be a good champion. “It was slow, patient and calculating. You are dealing with someone who is not giving you many options, so I had to create them and once I saw it I managed to connect and knocked him out,” he said.
“He had maybe two shots, the right hook can always follow with the left so he had two shots.
“But he is not a Kiltschko, he is not a Haye, he is not all of these other fighters.”
“That’s why I don’t get too hyped.”