Undefeated heavyweight Anthony Joshua recorded his 9th knockout victory in as many fights, stopping the usually very durable Denis Bakhtov (38-9-0) in the second round of what was supposed to be his toughest test to date. Bakhtov, who had not been stopped for 9 years, started the fight with good head movement, slipping a couple of jabs, however, that did not last long as a minute into the first round, Joshua found his range behind a beautifully timed jab followed by a straight right hand. The popular Londoner was enjoying his work in there, smiling as he moved forward landing his jab at will. A right hand hurt Bakhtov early, opening up a cut over his right eye. Bakhtov had to survive an onslaught from the Watford man near the end of the first round.
To his credit, Bakhtov, who took a lot of big shots in the opening round, attempted to fight back, but he had little effect. The second round began with Joshua landing a strong right hook along the ropes, rocking Bakhtov, who staggered to his left to get away. Joshua closed in and unleashed a flurry of punches, which had Bakhtov in trouble. He managed to tie up just as it appeared as though referee Ian John Lewis was jumping in to stop the fight. Lewis allowed the men to seperate, but was forced to step in and stop the fight soon after when Joshua landed a jab/right hand combination against the ropes.
After the victory, Joshua commented, "We are now in stage 2, Michael Sprott will be the first fight in stage 2, in November" He is scheduled to return to the ring on November 22 at Liverpool's Echo Arena.
LEE SELBY SCHOOLS AND STOPS JOEL BRUNKER IN 9TH ROUND
In the co-main event, Lee Selby, labeled in his homeland as the "Welsh Mayweather", took on the unbeaten Joel Brunker in a bout that would elevate the winner to the IBF featherweight world title picture. Brunker had been inactive over the last 14 months, but boasted a perfect 27-fight record. Unfortunately for him, he was no match for the very slick Selby, who boxed brilliantly throughout the fight using a great variety of punches. Selby was perfect when he boxed on the outside, landing sharp jabs and closing the gap behind some strong uppercuts. Midway through the fight, Selby was instructed by his corner to stick to throwing straight as Brunker's head movement was non-existent. The previously undefeated fighter was eating right hands and quick jabs all night.
Selby is often criticised for not putting his foot on the gas to close the show when he is clearly in control, but tonight, he added that exciting finish to his boxing brilliance. A superbly timed body shot had Brunker hurt against the ropes in the 9th round. As Selby closed in with a combination of punches, Brunker survived the initial onslaught, but Selby stayed in the pocket and was patient in picking his punches. As Brunker tried to slide to his left along the ropes, he was caught again and went down to his knee as the referee stepped in and waved it off. Official time of the stoppage was 2:39 in round 9.
After the fight, Selby remarked, "You should see me in the gym. I am brilliant in the gym. If i do that out in the ring, I will not be stopped...Gradovich will be the same; will be an easier fight." He is now in line to face the winner of Evgeny Gradovich (19-0) and Jayson Velez (22-0) for the IBF World Featherweight Title
IN OTHER ACTION
John Ryder defeated Theophillus Tetteh with a strong left hand in the 5th round to claim the vacant WBA Intercontinental Middleweight Title.
Tyler Goodjohn defeated Ricky Boylan via split decision to claim the BBBofC English light welterweight title with scores of 96-96 (draw), 96-94 (Goodjohn), and 96-94 (Goodjohn).
Also, Erick Ochieng, Joe Hughes and Tommy Martin notched win earlier in the evening.