Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko
Date29 April 2017
VenueWembley Stadium, London, England
Title(s) on the lineIBF and vacant WBA (Super), and IBO heavyweight titles
Tale of the tape
Boxer United Kingdom Anthony Joshua Ukraine Wladimir Klitschko
Nickname AJ Dr. Steelhammer
Hometown Watford, England Kyiv, Ukraine
Pre-fight record 18–0 (18 KOs) 64–4 (53 KOs)
Age 27 41
Height 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) 6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
Weight 250 lb (113 kg) 240 lb (109 kg)
Style Orthodox Orthodox
Recognition IBF heavyweight champion Former unified heavyweight champion
Result
Joshua defeated Klitschko via eleventh-round TKO

Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko was a professional boxing match contested between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko. The event took place on 29 April 2017 at Wembley Stadium in London, England, with Joshua's IBF and the vacant WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight titles on the line. Joshua, 27, won the match via technical knockout (TKO) in the eleventh round with 90,000 fans in attendance. Klitschko, 41, announced his retirement from boxing a few months after the fight. The bout was named Fight of the Year by The Ring and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Background

It was announced in August 2016 that Anthony Joshua would be making a second defence of his IBF title at the Manchester Arena on 26 November. This would mark the first time since September 2014 that Joshua would be fighting in the city. Possible names put forward for the fight were top IBF contenders Kubrat Pulev, Bermane Stiverne, Hughie Fury and Joseph Parker.[1][2][3] Former unified heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko became the frontrunner after his scheduled rematch with Tyson Fury was cancelled for a second time.[4][5]

Days after the Fury rematch was called off, Klitschko was approached by Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn. Terms seemed to have been agreed for a £30m showdown, although an initial contract was yet to be signed.[6] After Fury gave up his world titles, it was said that Klitschko wanted the WBA title on the line in the potential match up against Joshua.[7] The WBA delayed sanctioning the fight due to having a legal settlement with Lucas Browne, who was next in line to fight for the vacant title. Klitschko then turned his attention to fighting Browne instead on 10 December, a date that his team had booked for an arena in Germany.[8] A deal could not be finalised for Joshua vs. Klitschko, due to the WBA delaying a decision to sanction the fight and Klitschko injuring himself, which put the fight off completely.[9] Klitschko said he would be looking to fight Joshua in the first quarter of 2017.[10] Talks between the Klitschko camp and Hearn remained active with a fight set for the first part of 2017.[11][12]

Bryant Jennings and David Price were the names being pushed forward to fight Joshua next, however it was announced Joshua would be fighting at the Manchester Arena, defending his title against former world title challenger Éric Molina (25–3, 19 KOs), who was coming off a stoppage victory against Tomasz Adamek. On 2 November, the WBA finally agreed to sanction a fight for their super title as long as Joshua defeats Molina in December 2016.[13] The fight was televised in the United States live on Showtime.[14][15] After two one sided rounds, which saw Molina hardly throw anything, Joshua knocked Molina out in the third round.[16]

Immediately after Joshua the win, Klitschko was invited into the ring by Hearn. It was announced that Joshua and Klitschko would face each other for the IBF and vacant WBA (Super) titles at Wembley Stadium, London, on 29 April 2017.[17] WBA president Gilberto J. Mendoza confirmed that the winner would have to face mandatory challenger Luis Ortiz next, with deadlines due to be set after the unification fight.[18][19] It was then confirmed that the winner between Joshua and Klitschko had to face Kubrat Pulev next as the IBF's mandatory challenger.[20]

Build-up

In January 2017, Eddie Hearn announced that more than 80,000 tickets had been sold, a new box office record, overtaking Carl Froch vs. George Groves II. He put a request in for 5,000 more tickets to be made available.[21][22] London Mayor Sadiq Khan cleared the way for a crowd of 90,000, equalling the British record of Len Harvey and Jock McAvoy set in 1939[23] and making it the biggest crowd for a heavyweight fight in 90 years.[24]

The fight build-up was noted for the humility shown from both boxers, with the lack of trash talk described as being refreshing.[24]

The bout was predicted to generate the biggest betting turnover in sports history at £100 million, with £20 million coming from the UK.[25][26]

Fight details

In front of a post-war record crowd of 90,000 in attendance, Joshua won by technical knockout (TKO) in the eleventh round. They fought a close and cautious first four rounds. In the fifth, Joshua came out and sent Klitschko to the canvas with a barrage of punches. Klitschko rose up and took control for the remainder of the round and scoring his own knockdown in round six. The next few rounds were again cautious, both men wary of each other, until a reinvigorated Joshua attacked Klitschko in round eleven, sending him to the canvas. Klitschko again rose but Joshua knocked him down for a second time in the round, then sent a barrage of punches while Klitschko was against the ropes that made the referee stop the fight.[27][28]

At the time of stoppage, Joshua was ahead on two judges' scorecards with 96–93 and 95–93, while the third judge had Klitschko ahead at 95–93. CompuBox stats showed that Joshua landed 107 of his 355 punches thrown (30%), and Klitschko landed 94 of 256 (37%).[29] Joshua called out Tyson Fury in the post fight interview, "Tyson Fury, where you at, baby? Come on -- that's what they want to see. I just want to fight everyone. I'm really enjoying this right now."[30][31]

Reception

Prior to the fight, Deutsche Welle called it "the most anticipated boxing match in decades".[32]

After the bout, the fight was met with critical acclaim. Both fighters were praised for their performances, with many critics and fans believing that the fight lived up to and exceeded expectations. The fight, according to The Economist, "will be remembered as a spectacular one, perhaps even as a classic, for its dramatic swings in momentum and the ferocity of the punching" and for waking heavyweight boxing "from a prolonged slumber" during the years of unrivalled Klitschko dominance.[24] ESPN.com called it "the biggest heavyweight fight since Lennox Lewis knocked out Mike Tyson".[33] Associated Press called it "the biggest heavyweight title fight in more than a decade".[34]

Aftermath

In the press conference after the fight, Joshua said he would have no issues with having another fight with Klitschko, "I don’t mind fighting him again, if he wants the rematch. Big respect to Wladimir for challenging the young lions of the division. It’s up to him, I don’t mind. As long as Rob thinks it’s good I’m good to go." Hearn said Joshua's next fight would likely take place at the end of the year, possibly at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.[35] On 3 August 2017, Klitschko announced on his official website and social media channels that he was retiring from boxing.[36][37]

Fight card

Weight class vs. Method Round Time Notes
Heavyweight United Kingdom Anthony Joshua (c) def. Ukraine Wladimir Klitschko TKO 11 2:25 Note 1
Featherweight United Kingdom Scott Quigg def. Romania Viorel Simion UD 12 –
Lightweight United Kingdom Luke Campbell def. Colombia Darleys Pérez TKO 9/12 1:28
Women's lightweight Republic of Ireland Katie Taylor def. Germany Nina Meinke TKO 7/10 0:57 Note 2
Super featherweight United Kingdom Joe Cordina def. Germany Sergej Vib TKO 1/4 1:59

^Note 1 For IBF, vacant WBA (Super), and IBO heavyweight titles
^Note 2 For vacant WBA female Inter-Continental lightweight title

Broadcasting

The domestic television rights to the fight were held by Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view, while radio rights were held by BBC Radio 5 Live.[38] In the United States, as rights to Joshua and Klitschko's fights have historically been held by the two networks respectively, an arrangement was made for both Showtime and HBO to hold rights to this fight. In a contrast to Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao, which was broadcast via a PPV jointly produced by both networks, HBO and Showtime produced their own separate telecasts as part of their respective HBO World Championship Boxing and Showtime Championship Boxing brands, and Showtime beat HBO for exclusive rights to broadcast the fight live in the U.S. (where it occurred in the afternoon hours in the Eastern Time Zone). Likewise, HBO broadcast the bout on tape delay later in the night.[39]

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn stated that "it takes a special fight to break down barriers and boundaries but also networks and executives who believe in working with the best interest of fight fans in mind", and thanked both networks "for their perseverance and allowing America to see one hell of a fight at our national stadium."[38][40]

The fight's cumulative worldwide audience is estimated to be 500 million viewers.[41] In the United Kingdom, the fight set a domestic PPV record,[42] with 1.532 million buys,[43][44] exceeding the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight.[45] At a viewing price of £20 ($26),[42] the Joshua–Klitschko fight grossed approximately £31 million ($40 million) in pay-per-view revenue. In total, the fight generated an estimated £50 million ($68 million) in revenue from all sources, including live gate, pay-per-view, and overseas broadcasting.[46]

In the U.S., the fight averaged 659,000 viewers on Showtime; Nielsen reported that the fight peaked between rounds five and six with 687,000 viewers, beating a record for Showtime afternoon fight ratings previously set by Joshua.[47] The delayed broadcast on HBO (which fell during U.S. nighttime hours) was seen by an average of 738,000 viewers and peaked at 890,000.[48][49]

In a press release, German TV channel RTL announced the fight was watched by an average 10.43 million viewers. The whole card averaged 9.59 million viewers. This was higher than the 8.91 million that tuned in to watch Klitschko vs. Fury in 2015. It did lower numbers than Klitschko's win over Mariusz Wach in 2012, which was watched by 11 million and Klitschko vs. Haye, which was seen by over 16 million.[50] In Ukraine, the match averaged 4.4 million viewers, becoming the most watched sporting event of 2017 in the country.[51]

Country Broadcaster
 AlbaniaSuperSport
 ArgentinaTyC Sports
 AustriaRTL
 AustraliaMain Event
 BelgiumVOOsport
 BulgariaSport+ HD
 CanadaHBO Canada
 CroatiaRTL Televizija
 Czech RepublicNova Sport 1
 DenmarkViaplay
 EstoniaViasat Sport Baltic
 FinlandViaplay
 FranceSFR Sport
 GermanyRTL
 GreeceANT1 (broadcast delay)
 HungarySport1
 Indonesia Kompas TV[52]
 IrelandSky Box Office
 ItalySky Sport Plus
Fox Sports
 JapanWOWOW Live
 LatviaViasat Sport Baltic
 LiechtensteinRTL
 LithuaniaViasat Sport Baltic
 MoldovaPro TV
 NetherlandsRTL 7
 New ZealandSKY Arena
 NorwayViaplay
 PhilippinesTV5
 PolandPolsat Sport
 RomaniaPro TV
Sport.ro
 RussiaMatch TV
Match!Boets
 SerbiaRTS
 SlovakiaDajto
 SloveniaRTL
 South AfricaSoweto TV
 SpainMovistar+
 SwedenViaplay
  SwitzerlandRTL
 TajikistanVarzish Sport
 TurkeyTivibu Spor
 UkraineInter
 United Arab EmiratesOSN Sports
 United KingdomSky Box Office
 United StatesShowtime (exclusive live rights)
HBO (tape delayed)
 UzbekistanUzreport TV
Sub-Saharan AfricaKwesé Sports

References

  1. ↑ Metro.co.uk, Coral Barry for (23 September 2016). "Hughie Fury has been approached by Eddie Hearn about fighting Anthony Joshua". Metro. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  2. ↑ "Anthony Joshua has announced the date and venue for his next fight, and people are already predicting victory". The Irish News. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  3. ↑ "Parker Ready For Anthony Joshua on 11/26 - If Fight is Offered - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  4. ↑ "Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko Fight in Play After Fury Withdrawal". Boxing News and Views. 24 September 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  5. ↑ "Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko Close to a Deal - Tha Boxing Voice". Tha Boxing Voice. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  6. ↑ "Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko date to be announced". The Independent. 16 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  7. ↑ WBN. "WBA decision on Joshua v Klitschko ruled out until Monday". WBN - World Boxing News. Archived from the original on 30 October 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  8. ↑ "Klitschko-Browne to clash for WBA crown? | Boxing News". Boxing News. 20 October 2016. Archived from the original on 31 October 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  9. ↑ WBN. "WBA decision on Joshua v Klitschko ruled out until Monday". WBN - World Boxing News. Archived from the original on 30 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  10. ↑ "Wladimir Klitschko wants to fight Anthony Joshua in March or April". Sky Sports. 27 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  11. ↑ "Wladimir Klitschko Out of December 10 Fight With Injury - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  12. ↑ "Anthony Joshua set for spring bout with Wladimir Klitschko". BT.com. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  13. ↑ Jay, Phil D. "WBA resolution: Joshua v Klitschko sanctioned; Ortiz out; Browne v Briggs ordered". WBN - World Boxing News. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  14. ↑ "Anthony Joshua-Eric Molina a done deal for Dec 10? - Boxing News". 28 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  15. ↑ "Showtime to air Joshua bout Dec. 10 - The Ring". The Ring. 26 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  16. ↑ Dirs, Ben (11 December 2016). "Anthony Joshua to fight Wladimir Klitschko after win over Eric Molina". Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  17. ↑ Elliott, Ryan. "Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko signed for April 29th". Boxing News TV. Archived from the original on 14 December 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  18. ↑ "Anthony Joshua or Wladimir Klitschko will advance to meet Luis Ortiz, orders WBA". Sky Sports. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  19. ↑ "Luis Ortiz lined up to face winner of Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko fight". 20 December 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  20. ↑ "Joshua-Klitschko winner to face world-title dilemma". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  21. ↑ "Joshua vs Klitschko - Over 80,000 Tickets Sold". Boxing Scene. 16 January 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  22. ↑ "JOSHUA'S CLASH WITH KLITSCHKO SELLS OVER 80,000 TIX". 16 January 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  23. ↑ "Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko to match UK attendance record". 27 January 2017 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  24. 1 2 3 "Heavyweight boxing is waking from a prolonged slumber". The Economist. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  25. ↑ "JOSHUA V KLITSCHKO COULD REACH £100 MILLION IN GLOBAL BETTING TURNOVER". Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  26. ↑ "William Hill – Joshua v Klitschko can Knockout £100 million betting mark". Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  27. ↑ "Joshua Gets Off The Floor, Knocks Klitschko Out in Eleventh - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  28. ↑ "BBC Sport". Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  29. ↑ "Joshua rallies to stop Klitschko in 11th round". ESPN.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  30. ↑ "Klitschko: The Best Man Won, It's Really Sad That I Didn't Make It - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  31. ↑ "Anthony Joshua knocks out Wladimir Klitschko in heavyweight title fight – as it happened". Guardian. 1 May 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  32. ↑ Mcintosh, Jane (29 April 2017). "Joshua takes on Klitschko in 90,000 sell-out Wembley boxing title fight". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  33. ↑ "Joshua rallies to stop Klitschko in 11th round". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  34. ↑ "Anthony Joshua KOs Klitschko in heavyweight dream bout". New York Post. 29 April 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  35. ↑ "Joshua On Board For Klitschko Rematch, Principality Stadium Eyed - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  36. ↑ "Decision". KLITSCHKO. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  37. ↑ "KMG". k-mg.de. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  38. 1 2 Reddy, Luke (28 April 2017). "Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko: Step to greatness or will veteran Klitschko win?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  39. ↑ "HBO and Showtime will share April 29 Joshua-Klitschko heavyweight telecast". USA Today. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  40. ↑ "Showtime to televise Joshua-Klitschko live in the US". SportsPro. Retrieved 20 April 2017.
  41. ↑ "Життя – це боротьба за звання чемпіона: як Кличко переформатував бізнес-кар'єру" (in Ukrainian). ICTV. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  42. 1 2 "Anthony Joshua vs Klitschko PPV Buys Are Mind Boggling". Boxing News and Views. 2 May 2017.
  43. ↑ "Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys in week ending 30 April 2017)". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  44. ↑ McKenna, Chris (31 March 2018). "Anthony Joshua to receive stunning record purse for Joseph Parker fight". Daily Express.
  45. ↑ http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/sky-sports-confirm-mayweather-mcgregor-breaks-uk-record-for-ppv-buys/ Sky Sports confirm Mayweather-McGregor breaks UK record for PPV buys
  46. ↑ "Here's how much Anthony Joshua made for his stunning Wembley showpiece". Joe. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  47. ↑ "Joshua-Klitschko Live Broadcast Drew 659K Viewers for Showtime". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  48. ↑ "HBO's Replay of Joshua-Klitschko Peaked at 890K Viewers - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  49. ↑ "Joshua-Klitschko produce ratings for Showtime and HBO : MMAPayout.com: The Business of MMA". mmapayout.com. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  50. ↑ "Ratings: Joshua-Klitschko pulls in 659k in US, exceeds 10 million in Germany". Bloody Elbow. 1 May 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  51. ↑ "Бой Кличко на "Интере" стал самым рейтинговым спортивным событием года. Что будет дальше?". Inter. 3 May 2017.
  52. ↑ "KOMPAS TV on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
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