Anthony Joshua's Big 5: Dethroning Your Idol

Anthony Joshua's Big 5: Dethroning Your Idol

The similarities between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko are clear. Athletes with amazing physique, tall stature, iron discipline, Olympic title among amateurs and world title among professionals in boxing. AJ and the Ukrainian are two of the biggest in-ring stars of the 21st century, and there's no disputing that. The main difference between them is the generation they come from. In the twilight of his career, Vladimir met Anthony's peak. The Briton himself has many times shared respect for one of his boxing idols. For a long time, the Englishman was only a sparring partner of the Ukrainian and a dreamer to one day reach his level. On April 29, 2017, all of that will change.

At the time, the heavyweight world was confused. A year and a half earlier, Tyson Fury dethroned Wladimir Klitschko in the heavyweight division. Months later, the Gypsy King was busted for drug use. Someone needs to distribute his championship belts. Anthony Joshua already has one, but is becoming a major contender for 2 of them. The rival of the talented Englishman will be Klitschko, who deserves his rematch. The dream fight for AJ is a fact. After 18 straight wins, he will finally face one of the best in the division after mostly boxing second-tier fighters among the world's elite.

Wembley Stadium in London is packed, but the start is not like one of the most anticipated matches of the century. In the 5th round, everything changes. One of the greatest 3 minutes in history. In them, for the first time in 13 years, Vladimir is on the verge of a knockout. The Ukrainian is seriously shaken. A counterattack follows. For just a moment, Joshua is the more injured of the two. It is a miracle that the Brit lived to the end of the round. It doesn't get much easier in the next one. Joshua is on the floor, but only saves with a knockdown. Will England's golden boy lose?

Next comes the proof that AJ is a great champion. Much better footwork and endless dedication are turning the tide bit by bit. In the 11th round, a chilling uppercut landed on Klitschko's head. Two knockdowns follow. Somehow, Vladimir stands up. He's stuck against the ropes. After a series of strong blows, the referee blew the whistle for the end of the match. Joshua wins an epic fight by TKO. On April 29, 2017, the whole world is now absolutely sure of one thing - Anthony Joshua is one of the best in the world!

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