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Sport

07th Jun 2018

Anthony Joshua wins big on Lawrence Okolie knockout

'AJ' likes a flutter

Darragh Murphy

If you ever fancy a punt on a British boxing match, maybe check with Anthony Joshua first because he seems to have a knack for predicting the outcome of fights.

Only two months ago, Joshua won over £600 after backing former opponent Dillian Whyte to finish Lucas Browne in the sixth round of their London clash.

And ‘AJ’ enjoyed an even bigger win on Wednesday night, when he put some money down on another Matchroom stablemate.

For Lawrence Okolie’s Commonwealth cruiserweight title fight against Luke Watkins on Eddie Hearn’s NXTGEN card, Joshua expected ‘The Sauce’ to get the job done in the third round of the 12 scheduled.

Lo and behold, Okolie let loose in the third frame and dropped his opponent on two occasions with a pair of clubbing flurries before the referee awarded Okolie the win by technical count-out.

And while neither strikes us as a big drinker, perhaps Joshua will owe Okolie a pint because the reigning WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight champion saw a return of £1,040 after betting £80 on Okolie to finish the fight in the third.

Joshua’s next fight remains up in the air because the longer negotiations drag on with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, the likelier it looks that ‘AJ’ will accept a mandatory defence of his WBA crown against Alexander Povetkin.

When asked for an update on Sky Sports, Joshua said: “No, I’m still training, but in terms of a three-month camp, we’ve got until the end of the month, but there’s still a few more weeks. It’s just the nitty gritty I think.

“Everyone has seen the gold at the end of the rainbow, and everyone wants a piece. It’s not a problem, there’s enough in the pot for everyone to eat, but just be realistic and that’s all it is.”