Anthony Joshua Makes A Golden Start.

By Paul Hampton

The pressure was on. The build up was finally over, and Anthony Joshua was about to make his first ring walk in the professional ranks. There where no sign of nerves on the Londoners face though, and why should there be? He had all ready been to the Olympics in 2012, and walked away with the top prize. But this is a different game. There are no head guards, there are no vests. He admitted himself that it felt a lot different when his hands where wrapped, he could feel the difference in the padding, and obviously the other difference is the gloves, last night he had those small 10oz gloves on.

His opponent was unbeaten, 8-0 with 3 knockouts. Despite this he had only fought one person with a winning record but he did stop him inside the first round. There was no luck of confidence from Emanuele Leo though, he looked nervous and rightly so. Not only was he fighting outside of Italy for the first time, but he was fighting the new British heavyweight hope and Joshua looked primed and ready to detonate at the first opportunity.

The first thing I remember hearing when I started to watch boxing was the jab is the most important weapon in a boxers arsenal, everything will flow of a good jab, and it looks like that during the fourteen month break Joshua has learnt how to throw a very good jab. He was able to use it as both a range finder but also as a punch that could stop the Italian from coming in.  

The fight was over after just two minutes, a jab followed by a right hand staggered the Italian back to the ropes. Joshua who had been calm, cool and collected throughout the entire evening sensed the end and followed it up by landing several hurtful hooks that sent his opponent to the canvas forcing referee Ian John Lewis to call the fight off, saving Leo from any further punishment.

Despite the devastating finish and the good performance, Joshua was caught once or twice and will have to tighten his defence up going forward, especially as the opponents get better.

“There were big expectations on me as people wanted to see what I’ve been up to in the 14 months I’ve been away (from the ring),” Joshua told BBC Radio 5 live.

“I had to stay relaxed. I’ve been doing a lot of work outside of the ring in the gym and I feel like I showed a bits and pieces of my skills tonight.

“Everyone is proud and hopefully everyone can understand what my dreams are.

“I just need to stay disciplined, focused and hopefully everyone will support me and let me crack on with it. Then you will see the best of me.”

http://v2journal.com/16/post/2013/10/anthony-joshua-makes-a-golden-start.html

It was a good start. He'll improve as he gains more experience. The tools are there.

Decent nights work for his first efforts in the pro ranks. There will always be question marks over him but he does have an exciting style, so no matter what happens down the line it should all be entertaining. One thing though, few people in life make it as heavyweight champions of the world so let's not get on his back if he comes up short. It's a terrible trait we have in this country of dismissing people that can't make it to the very top. Especially if they have had publicity along the way.

All the best Anthony Joshua. I think we are going to have fun along the way.

He's a plodder according to the resident idiot.

2:47 seconds of pro boxing and apparantly he is destined for Euro level at best already  

Reborn-DeeMcK-Reborn wrote:He's a plodder according to the resident idiot.

2:47 seconds of pro boxing and apparantly he is destined for Euro level at best already  

I cant help thinking he was a wum

It was the comment saying he hoped he got sparked that got me. I don't really see what Joshua has done to create a desire to see him get beat.

spencerclarke wrote:It was the comment saying he hoped he got sparked that got me. I don't really see what Joshua has done to create a desire to see him get beat.

Are we talking about AZ?

He must be a boxing genius if he thinks Joshua will only make Euro level after his first pro fight. I like Joshua's attitude at the moment. Seems very focused. Now he will go on and learn his craft. I hope they don't match him like Wilder but will check back on Joshua in 2 years 6 months time.

Very early days and I can only presume the high expectations caused him some times to resemble Bruno in his movements but with a lot more speed. Definitely appears to have developed a very good jab and maturity beyond his years at some points in the fight.

Ridiculous to even try and judge where he will end up but very few negatives to take away from last night's performance.

As Mikey has said way too early to judge, but enough to be positive about based on last night. Obviously his physique suggests he is doing the graft in the gym and there is clearly some power to work with which is pretty crucial for a heavyweight. Might not be the most engaging of personalities but seems a decent enough kid so I for one wish him all the best.

Rowley wrote:As Mikey has said way too early to judge, but enough to be positive about based on last night. Obviously his physique suggests he is doing the graft in the gym and there is clearly some power to work with which is pretty crucial for a heavyweight. Might not be the most engaging of personalities but seems a decent enough kid so I for one wish him all the best.

You forgot to be angry. Edit your post dammit

Can't say how far he might go, but it is very exciting to have a heavyweight to root for again. Especially one so humble and focussed. Go on Anthony!!


Don't like the moniker 'Future Peoples Champ' much, though

Reborn-DeeMcK-Reborn wrote:He's a plodder according to the resident idiot.

2:47 seconds of pro boxing and apparantly he is destined for Euro level at best already  

Plodder?

He can run the 100m in 11 seconds.

Yeh, definite plodder.......(bet I can guess which tw*t said that, too).

Are the Bruno comparisons really such an insult? The guy was in some huge fights, made a stack of cash, won the WBC strap... doesn't sound all that bad. Most ppl seem to agree that he'd be very competitive compared to the current crop of HWs if he was around today.

Joshua needs to be wary of becoming overly muscled and robotic. He is only likey to get heavier as he gets older and if he packs on too much muscle trying to look like Mr Universe he will end up another plodder.

catchweight wrote:Joshua needs to be wary of becoming overly muscled and robotic. He is only likey to get heavier as he gets older and if he packs on too much muscle trying to look like Mr Universe he will end up another plodder.

Maybe, he's had one fight. So long as he has good people round him he should maximise his talent.

He will do well I sure, but without a lengthy amateur career it'll take him a couple of years to get into his stride. At least he won, lets all just leave him alone until 10 fights in eh? Give the lad a chance.

What we should do is say he is rubbish this whole time, I mean come on, he's not even fought anyone yet, ridiculous, then when he loses we can slate him and say that we all knew he was a no hoper.