A Unified Champion

(April 29, 2017).  Joshua vs Klitschko 

Anthony Joshua has done it again. His record now stands at 19-0 w/ 19 knockouts. With this win, he is now a unified champion, holding both the WBA & IBF Heavyweight Belts. This win was no doubt his toughest, as he was in serious trouble in Round 6 after tasting the canvas for the first time in his career. His opponent tonight was a formidable one in former 3-time Heavyweight Champion, Wladimir Klitschko, whose record now stands at 64-5. The 41-year-old Klitschko did not mention retirement in the post-fight interview following his 11th Round TKO loss. In fact, Klitschko looked better in this loss than he had in his last 6 or 7 wins.

A rematch doesn’t seem to be in the cards right now, as there are so many other fights to be made in the division at this time. In addition to the current champs Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Joseph Parker, the Heavyweight Division also has Wladmir Klitschko, Tyson Fury, Hughie Fury, Bermane Stiverne, and Luis Ortiz in the mix. Anytime any of these guys square off, the better it will be for the sport and the eventual complete undisputed unified champ of the world. This is something that has not been attained since Lennox Lewis held this distinct honor back in 1999. Whomever the next opponent will be for any of the current champs, he will most likely be a worthy adversary for any of them.
Michael Feinberg

TFN Reporter