Anthony Joshua boxing news and latest headlines
Ever since Anthony Joshua demolished Denis Bakhtov in two disturbing rounds back in October 2014, there have been calls for the so obviously blessed heavyweight to be matched tougher.
Unfortunately for South America’s heavyweight champion Raphael Zumbano Love (donning velour shorts on the night) these calls have been ignored. In two equally alarming rounds he, just like his 11 peers before him, found out just what the fuss is all about.
‘RESURRECTION’ Matchroom’s foray into the British heartlands – set to take place this Saturday in Birmingham – has been impacted by schedule changes and drop outs that have seen the UK’s premier promotional outfit call in the cavalry.
Premier prospects Anthony Joshua, Luke Campbell and Callum Smith will step in to fill the void left by home favourite Frankie Gavin – who will now challenge IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook on 30th May in London’s O2 Arena.
Big punching British heavyweight prospect Anthony Joshua (11-0, 11ko) – tipped as a future star by many – takes another step toward his “acid-test” fight with solid American veteran Kevin Johnson on May 30th with a scheduled 8 rounder against South American journeyman Raphael Zumbano Love on Saturday as part of Matchroom Sports Sky Sports broadcast from Birmingham.
Whilst nothing but a win is expected, the Olympic gold medalist is making all the right noises ahead of the contest, promising an “explosive” performance.
He said to Sky Sports;
Stop and ask any British boxing fan in the street who they believe our next great hope for winning the world heavyweight title is and you will more than likely hear a variety of answers, but one name that will crop up time and time again is Olympic Gold medalist and undefeated powerhouse Anthony Joshua (11-0, 11ko).
If that is a name that is unfamiliar to you then I suggest you read on, because in his column for the Independent newspaper this week, veteran British promoter Frank Warren offered his thoughts on the fighter he tried to sign after London 2012 and leveled some criticism at the way he believes Joshua’s career is being handled under the guidance of Warren’s promotional rivals Matchroom Sport.
Joshua was back in action after five months out of the ring with a stress fracture of the back, and opposing him was the ebullient Gavern, fighting for the 50th time in the paid ranks.
Gavern started well as Joshua eased his way back into the swing of things, but the American was floored twice in the second round as Joshua found his groove – but Gavern raised his hand in defiance as he heard the bell and headed back to his corner.
A stress fracture of the back forced Joshua out of his January bout with Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson, and the Olympic gold medal hero said it was tough not to capitalise on his rapid progress following another brutal KO win over Michael Sprott in Liverpool in November, but the 25 year old says he will be back and better than ever in the north east.
“I was on a roll and there was great momentum, but I think I can pick that up again,” said Joshua.
Anthony Joshua is back in the gym in training for his April fight. Joshua took a little time off from his busy fight schedule after discovering a stress fracture in his back.
Now Joshua is back in the gym sparring, training and getting prepared for his bout on April 4th. After that he is expected to take part in the Kevin Johnson fight, therefore the TBE opponent we will see him fight next likely wont be a dangerous puncher or someone capable of upsetting Joshua as that would spoil the Johnson fight and end the Joshua express.
How often do you get to compare a professional in their seventh year to one in his second year? For myself it is not often but apparently that is normal for drawing comparsions between fellow olympians and current heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.
Both men are tall and strong and produce knockouts in high volume but that is really all you can tell so far. Anthony Joshua is still in the early stages of his career and has only just made it to double figures in total fights where as Deontay has now had 30+ bouts and his first world title. What is interesting is that other than the Stiverne fight they have been facing the same level of competition through 2014.