Heavyweight Anthony Joshua spectacularly knocked out Robert Helenius with one punch in round seven, after boxing tentatively in the first half of the fight at London’s O2 Arena.
The 33-year-old Briton – who was jeered by fans during the bout – landed nothing of note until a huge right to the jaw ended Helenius’ night.
The win – Joshua’s first stoppage victory in two-and-a-half years – sets up a blockbuster fight with American Deontay Wilder in January.
“It’s a fickle sport, you’ve got to be real about this industry and not get caught up. I’ve done my job tonight,” Joshua told BBC Radio 5 live.
When asked in the ring about the potential fight with Wilder, Joshua joked: “My back’s gone, is there a doctor in here? I want to carry this heavyweight division to the top.”
After the knockout, an emotionally charged and smiling Joshua climbed out of the ring, high-fived fans and shared a beer with Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor.
Helenius needed oxygen after the heavy knockdown, but recovered and left the ring unassisted after congratulating Joshua.
Joshua extends his record to 26 wins – with 23 stoppages – and three defeats.
Finland’s Helenius – who took the bout on a week’s notice after Briton Dillian Whyte failed a voluntary drug test – loses his fifth pro fight in 36 outings.
Source: BBC