British boxer Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF heavyweight title with a third-round stoppage of Eric Molina in Manchester on Saturday, December 10. The 27-year-old now has 18 knockouts from as many fights and will face former heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on 29 April 2017. The Manchester Arena was sold out with a 21,000 crowd and those in attendance included former heavyweight world champions Shannon Briggs and David Haye, and WBC cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew.
Molina was knocked out in the third round before the referee stopped the fight just minutes after Joshua employed a high guard and advanced on the American. Patiently he waited for his opportunity, flooring the Texan with a right hand, and, after he was up at the count of eight and being poleaxed in his corner, was finished by a flurry of heavy blows.
The London heavyweight has now advanced to 18 fights undefeated.
The mega-fight with Klitschko will be Joshua's first time against an elite opponent. Klitschko joined Joshua in the ring immediately after the contest and asked the crowd if they wanted to see two former Olympic champions face each other.
The showdown will be for the IBF and the vacant World Boxing Association title. Both fighters, however, are looking forward to April 2017 to give their fans a night to remember which will go down in history.
Action in the undercard
In the undercard, Dillian Whyte defeated Dereck Chisora by a split decision in an epic grudge battle match at the Manchester arena. it was such a solid heavyweight fight that it deserved a grand finale. The pair provided to the last, exchanging right hands and sharing an embrace at the final bell before the verdict.
Whyte secured verdicts of 115-114 and 115-113 on two cards while Chisora edged the third by a point after a close and explosive contest. Somehow, defying all fears, Chisora and Whyte, sworn enemies managed to produce a memorable heavyweight contest of considerable nobility to wipe away the rancour that had poisoned not only their relationship but the sport.