Providing chief support to Brook vs Gavin, Joshua vs Johnson was an abrupt and brutal affair. Make no mistake, Joshua is the real deal, and fellow Brits Dereck Chisora, Tyson Fury and David Price should stay well away from this cat. Joshua’s got exceptional skills, and exceptional power.
Anthony Joshua clocks up his 13th win and knockout, while defeated Kevin Johnson drops to 29 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw, 14 knockouts.
In a bout scheduled for 10 rounds, US heavyweight Johnson was expected to reach at least the halfway point. But he didn’t. In fact, following a violent 1st round, which included two devastating knockdowns, it seemed this bout was over. Of course it was right? Johnson was horizontal with his upper half hanging out the ring.
Joshua had handed the fighter known as ‘Kingpin’ his very first stoppage defeat.
But wait…the fight was still on?
Yep. Bizarrely, it was. Johnson’s corner had picked their fighter up, slung him back on the stool, and then started to prepare him to enter the 2nd round. What the heck was going on here? Is this the worst, most unmerciful corner in boxing?
Johnson was a beaten man! Done for! And guess what happened next, fight fans…?
Johnson was immediately battered into oblivion after somehow managing to stumble into the 2nd round. Shocker!
It was a huge relief to see the referee finally step in and end the fight – like he should have done following the second knockdown. This was dangerous stuff from both the referee and Johnson’s corner tonight. Quite sickening stuff.
And another thing: was the referee guilty of missing a major infraction of the Queensberry Rules here? Following the second knockdown at the bell, not only did the referee fail to give a 10-count, he also let Johnson’s corner pick him up. Modern boxing rules state no fighter can be ‘saved by the bell’ – yet Johnson’s corner literally helped him to his feet, with no objection from the referee. Weird…
But it is what it is. Joshua blew away another opponent, and his Heavyweight journey of destruction continues.
Let us know your thoughts on Joshua vs Johnson – and of course, who you’d like to see the muscle-mountain target next.
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