Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
Anthony Joshua’s dynamic right hand made easy work of Eric Molina for a third round TKO that sets up a spring showdown with former champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Molina sought to work off the back-foot and bait Joshua into counter right hands. The champion stayed defensively sound and worked behind the jab. The strategy forced Molina to the ropes, allowing Joshua had his way with hooks to the body and around Molina’s guard.
The end came when Molina used a crab guard to avoid a left hook. His stance prevented him from seeing Joshua’s right cross, which dropped him in front of his corner. Molina rose slowly and was greeted by several left hooks that rendered him helpless on the ropes.
In the post-fight interview, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the April showdown with Wladimir Klitschko, who entered the ring to hype the contest.
“I shared the ring with the champ,” said Joshua of their previous sparring. “This is the step-up people wanted. Klitschko wants his belts back. May the best man win.”
Klitschko-Joshua will be for Joshua’s IBF title at Wembley Stadium.
Boom. @anthonyfjoshua drills @TDBBoxing and successfully retains his IBF heavyweight title. #JoshuaMolina #Boxing pic.twitter.com/6NzlvMv6BV
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 11, 2016
It’s official. @anthonyfjoshua vs. @Klitschko. April 29th. #Boxing pic.twitter.com/TykNFZv6Kk
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 11, 2016
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 