Match result:
England’s Anthony Joshua has retained his IBF World Heavyweight title fight in an epic bout against legendary Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
» Click here to read the full match report
Match preview:
It’s the young bull versus the old bull at Wembley Stadium when 27-year-old Englishman Anthony Joshua (18-0, 18KOs) defends his IBF World Heavyweight title against legendary 41-year-old Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53KOs). Join The Roar for round-by-round updates and debate in our live blog from 6am AEST.
Both fighters were Olympic gold medal winners before turning pro, but their feats were sixteen years apart.
Klitschko won the super-heavyweight division in Atlanta in 1996, while Joshua did the same in London in 2012.
Unlike most heavyweight title fights, there’s been no trash talk in the build-up. Both fighters respect each other and are intelligent and articulate.
Bookmakers have Joshua ($1.40) as a heavy favourite, with Klitschko at $2.80.
Joshua has had a destructive rise through the ranks since turning pro, winning all his fights inside the distance.
He’s only fought a total of 44 rounds in his career, which averages less than three rounds per fight.
Klitschko hasn’t fought since November 2015 when he was upset by another Englishman, Tyson Fury (25-0, 18KOs) in Germany.
That unanimous points decision brought an end to Klitschko’s eleven and a half year domination of the heavyweight division.
A rematch was scheduled, but was then postponed and eventually cancelled due to Fury’s problems outside the ring.
Critics of Klitschko argue that he is dull and boring, both inside and outside the ring, and that he’s been the champion in an era when the heavyweight division hasn’t been strong.
But he’s always carried himself professionally, he’s fought every contender out there in his era and his ring work has proven to be clinically effective.
He’s also always in good physical shape, unlike many heavyweights (Anthony Joshua excluded).
Klitschko successfully defended a version of the world heavyweight title 23 times. That is second only to the great Joe Louis, who successfully defended his world heavyweight title 25 times between 1937 and 1948.
He typically uses his boxing skills (especially his jab) to break his opponents down before finishing them off.
Notable wins in Klitschko’s professional career have been over Chris Byrd (twice) and Alexander Povetkin.
At 41, if he can pull off the victory this weekend over Joshua, it will arguably go down as the biggest achievement of his stellar career.
You can view highlights of both fighters at the link below. Who is your tip?
Simoc
Guest
Many are saying it was the best fight they have seen. Certainly the commentators were stunned. 90,000 odd crowd indicates boxing is big in Britain.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining me for the fight coverage, hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your comments/thoughts on the fight.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 11 Joshua came out aggressively and dropped Klitschko twice in the round. Klitschko showed great heart to get up both times, but Joshua unloaded a barrage of punches as Klitschko was on the ropes and the referee put a stop to it.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 11 It's over, the ref has stopped it with Klitschko on the ropes! Joshua wins by TKO!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 11 Klitschko down again!!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 11 Klitschko down!!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 10 Another close round, Joshua tried to load up a couple of times, but Klitschko's jab was effective as it has been throughout his career and he landed a good right late. Klitschko 10-9.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 9 Joshua has never been this far in a fight, but a better round for him. He may have snatched a close one. I still have Klitschko up by 2 points with 3 rounds to go,
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 8 Klitschko's footwork exceptional for this stage of the fight. A slower round from both fighters, but Klitschko's boxing skills probably snatched it. Can he keep this up for another 4 rounds at 41 years of age?
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 7 Both fighters tired, but Klitschko now looking slightly more comfortable and boxing well. Joshua isn't used to going into the second half of a fight. Klitschko 10-9.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 6 Great round for Klitschko, dropping Joshua with a right early. Joshua did well to survive the round. 10-8 to Klitschko. This is an epic fight!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 6 Joshua down!!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 5 Wild round! Klitschko down and cut early, regained his feet somehow to stun Joshua late and almost KO him. Both fighters seemingly out on their feet. Joshua 10-9 despite the knockdown, due to the Klitschko comeback!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 5 Klitschko down!!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 4 Good start to the round by Klitschko with two right hands. Joshua landed a good right of his own late in the round. Another close round, but it was Klitschko's. I have it all square after 4.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 3 Joshua let his hands go early in the round before the fight settled back into the watchful boxing match of the first two rounds. Joshua 10-9.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 2 Klitschko landed a good right early and is moving well. Another close, respectful round from both fighters behind their jabs. Probably Klitschko 10-9 to square it up.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 1 A feeling out round, both fighter's respectful of each other's ability and using their jabs. Neither fighter taking any risks. The crowd atmosphere is incredible. A close 10-9 round to Joshua, he was slightly busier.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Michael Buffer has uttered the immortal words "Let's get ready to rumble"! We're all set to go! I'll provide you with updates at the end of each round.