re: AJ-Wlad - Wembley
What a treat that was. Maybe Im slightly obligated because I thought it was important for Joshua to win the fight, but I cant remember the last time I screamed at the TV like that, it's up there with Benn MCClellan, Hatton Tszyu.
First and foremost congratulations to the pair of them, class personified in every way and a credit to the sport. Wladimir was far more mobile, far more committed, far more engaged than he was against Fury (yeah yeah I know, it's because Fury's the second coming of Nicolino Locche in a giant suit and Wlad couldn't hit him with a fist full of rice) He showed great energy, great pride, heart, chin, resilience and what almost won him the fight, a commitment to the right hand cannon. He dropped several on AJ's bonce and it almost got the job done for him.
I dont want to be too critical of Joshua because he took a huge step up in class and he came out on top so props to him for that. Despite the cool exterior he was tight, he fought scared in parts and with a complete lack of fear in others. Oddly, for such a massive unit, he looks a little ropy at distance but utterly devastating up close. His jab for me should be used as a means to get up close to unload the heavy artillery. When he did that Wlad had no answer. He took an almighty crack on the chin from the best right hander Wlads thrown in years and lived to tell the tale. It was Dillian Whyte all over again though as it robbed him of a few rounds whilst he got himself back together, if the stoppage didnt come it might have cost him.
19-0, 19 KO's and a win now over an inspired Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round, how many people would have picked that?
When God said to the both of us "Which one of you wants to be Sugar Ray?" I guess I didnt raise my hand fast enough
Charley Burley
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