REAL COMBAT MEDIA UK: RECAP: ANTHONY JOSHUA Vs DOMINIC BREAZEALE & GEORGE GROVES Vs MARTIN MURRAY.
By Rashid Sa’di-UK Head Editor:
Manchester, UK, (29th of June 2016)– Anthony Joshua defended he’s IBF world title, in emphatic fashion in the 1 minute 1 second of the seventh round. The game Breazeale lasted 7 rounds but eventually got knocked out by a left hand in the 7th round. Breazeale was extremely tenacious and gave a supreme effort, However Anthony Joshua’s power was overwhelming and Joshua hurt Breazeale every round. Dominic’s game-plan was to keep the fight in the middle of the ring. Staying away from the ropes and mixing in body-shots not to mention pumping a strong jab, and following up with a stiff right hand. Unfortunately Breazeale fell short with his shots and was countered by Anthony on more than several occasions with sharp crisp counters. Anthony figured out mid-way through the 3rd round that Breazeale was going to last longer and is much more durable than his previous competitors. Anthony eventually broke down Breazeale with bodyshots and right hands and finished him in the 7th round of the fight.
George Groves beat Martin Murray in a 12 round unanimous decision. It was a standout performance by George for a long time, since the second Carl Froch fight. He had almost come back to his older form where he’s punches were snappier and more crisp. He’s game-plan was obviously to gain Martin Murray’s respect by being assertive with the jab. And also to be constantly feinting and changing stances to make Martin reluctant to throw punches. He also understood that he must fight on the back-foot as Martin will be pressuring with a high guard while mixing in body-punches to neutralise George’s movement. Martin kept pressuring but was perplexed by Grove’s agility. Their was a brief scare in the 10th round where Martin landed a beautifully timed left hook when Groves dropped his right hand. In the last two rounds feeling a sense of urgency and knowing he is well behind on the scorecards. Martin became more aggressive and tried pressuring harder. And landed more punches however Groves survived and cruised to a clear unanimous 12 round decision.
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For Anthony Joshua his next move in his career is literally unlimited. He has a few choices for a unification fight against Deontay Wilder for the WBC Heavyweight title. Or he could fight Tyson Fury for the undisputed title in a huge blockbuster fight in 2017. I believe Anthony needs to get some more rounds under his belt, I believe the Breazeale fight was perfect for Joshua at this moment in time. However a title defence against Joseph Parker, Hughie Fury or Luis Ortiz. I believe these fights will be competitive but will also allow Anthony to develop and grow as a fighter. He must go 12 rounds as well soon to get that experience of competing in the championship rounds with world class opposition.
For George Groves he has rejuvenated his career with this performance against Murray. For George this was a desperate fight that he had to win, And fortunately he has won it. George must take a fight with respected opposition but with a clear path to victory. I believe a fight with Arthur Abraham would be perfect for George Groves. He’s old enough to not give George a big problem. And George could outbox him and frustrate Abraham with his movement. As long as George does’nt get caught with Abraham’s power then he could have a definite points decision similar to the Murray victory. And afterwards he could challenge Gilberto Ramirez for another shot at a version of a title.
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