The world is suddenly Anthony Joshua’s oyster.
He was so close to having to return to the drawing board with the first defeat of his professional career behind him but ‘AJ’ would not be denied the biggest victory of his life in front of his hometown fans.
With his back on the canvas in the sixth round, Joshua dug deep to find a second wind and an extra gear before turning it on at the beginning of the eleventh round following a series of frames that likely went in the favour of opponent Wladimir Klitschko and his pinpoint jab.
That was INCREDIBLE https://t.co/yAHcwy4GYF
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) April 29, 2017
As the seconds were ordered out of the ring to mark the beginning of the penultimate round, Joshua took one deep breath and unleashed a furious flurry that forced the Ukrainian to the deck.
Smelling blood, ‘AJ’ put a stunned Klitschko down once more before a tornado of strikes against the ropes gave the referee no choice but to call a halt to proceedings.
Having proved to his doubters that he was indeed ready to go toe-to-toe with a legitimate force at heavyweight, Joshua had no doubt in his mind who he wanted next.
“Fury, Tyson Fury, where you at baby” Joshua asked, to the joy of the 90,000 fans in attendance
AJ CALL OUT: "@Tyson_Fury, where you at baby?!" 👀
REACTION: https://t.co/6DvO99v3ts
Brought to you by @beatsbydreUK https://t.co/UX5RNuFe50— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) April 29, 2017
“Come on is that what you want to see? I enjoy fighting, I love fighting!
“Tyson Fury, I know he’s been talking a lot and he wants to come back and compete – I want to give 90,000 people another chance to watch a lovely night of boxing.
“I just want to fight everyone. I’m really enjoying this right now.”
The call-out of Fury, who hasn’t fought since taking a unanimous decision over Klitschko in 2015, was heard loud and clear as Joshua’s fellow Brit wasted no time whatsoever in delivering a message to the London 2012 gold medallist.
"I played with the guy" https://t.co/K0AtdXdDVQ
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) April 29, 2017
We’re certainly not averse to seeing that bout come to fruition.
