There is clear respect between Anthony Joshua and his opponent
Anthony Joshua defeated Alexander Povetkin in seven rounds on Saturday night in their world heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium, weathering an early storm from the veteran Russian before doing what no professional had done before and knocking him out.
Throughout the bout, it was clear that Joshua and Povetkin respected each other, with the end of each round prompting a bump of their respective gloves.
There was a massive roar around Wembley when the hometown boy retained his heavyweight titles yet again, before asking the raucous crowd exactly who they want to see him fight next.
The crowd were quick to respond with shouts of “Wilder”, referring to American heavyweight Deontay Wilder, who will face Tyson Fury in December.
Back in the dressing room after all of the fans had left, the respect between Joshua and Povetkin was clearer than ever, as the Watford-native approached the veteran and his entourage and thanked him for the fight.
“You’re very consistent. I want to come to Russia,” he said, later adding: “God bless you.”
Udachi Povetkin. All the best for your future 🤜🏾🤛🏼 #AJBXNG pic.twitter.com/xu5U460xyj
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) September 22, 2018
🤝 Respect
@anthonyfjoshua visits Povetkin’s dressing room after their shared a ring together #JoshuaPovetkin pic.twitter.com/JcyfZpO4Nr
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) September 22, 2018
Fight fans were understandably quite impressed with the show of humility from Joshua, and showed their appreciation.
This is the respect Joshua shows. He pays his dues and honours the fighters he faces. Humility.
— John (@emeryafc) September 22, 2018
People don't love AJ cause his the champion, people love him cause he loves the people. Humble and respectable, AJ will be remembered as a great man. Congratulations champ you've done everyone proud 🙌🏽
— Bappi Rahman (@bappi_bear) September 22, 2018
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