Imperious Joshua retains world title

LONDON: Anthony Joshua cruised to a seventh round victory over Dominic Breazeale in a first world title defence on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old Briton floored his American challenger twice in the seventh round as he retained his International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title and extended his remarkable run of knockouts at the O2 Arena in London. Joshua, who has stopped all 17 professional opponents since winning an Olympic gold medal at London 2012, inflicted Breazeale’s first professional defeat in his 18th bout after controlling the fight from start to finish.

“When I started catching him flush you know it’s beginning to work,” said Joshua.

“He was patient, avoiding my punches, and I had to take my time. Now I need a rest, it’s hard work doing this.”

After setting a steady pace, Joshua exploded into action in the seventh round and Breazeale could not resist two vicious combinations. Joshua is expected to make a mandatory defence against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker by the end of the year or spring 2017. Clashes against rival world champions, or fellow Briton David Haye, are likely to be next year at the earliest for Joshua, who increasingly is looking the man to beat in the heavyweight division.