Two professional fights have resulted in two wins via TKO for Olympic gold medalist Anthony Joshua, who will now look to fulfill his ambitious plans of climbing up the ranks of boxing.
On Saturday, Paul Butlin did prove a sterner test than Joshua's first pro opponent Emanuele Leo, whom the London-born boxer dispatched in two minutes and 47 seconds back in October.
Great line from the commentator talking about Anthony Joshua's previous fight 'he's getting tattooed here' (referring to his punching power)
— Nicholas Ingram (@nicholasingram5) October 26, 2013
This time around, the referee stopped the contest 50 seconds into the second round. Butlin was not fit to continue in the aftermath of a devastating right that floored the 37-year-old veteran, after the 24-year-old Joshua had broken his guard with a smart left.
It was the hit of the night. The power and precision of the strike were obvious by its effect on Butlin's face.
Butlin somehow got back onto his feet, but with a cut below his left eye and a badly swollen face. The fight ended a few moments later when he appeared sluggish on his feet and in his eyes.
The breakthrough in the second followed a professional and measured first-round performance by Joshua. The new pro showed composure and control in the moment, taking his time to select the right punch and keep Butlin at bay.
Prior to the fight, the more experienced fighter had promised to channel his efforts into unsettling the quicker and technically superior Olympic champion with raw aggression and physicality, as reported by Sky Sports.
Joshua never gave his opponent a sniff, however. He was in full command of the bout from the very first blow.
Following the referee's decision, Butlin cracked a smile and was gracious in defeat, shaking hands with his victor as the fighters positioned themselves to hear the official result confirmed.
The scorecard can be found below:
Promoter Eddie Hearn took a risk in matching Joshua against such a seasoned boxer for his second professional fight, but his charge's convincing victory against Butlin will only help to announce his arrival as a potential world champion.
Nicely done by young Anthony Joshua. But he's still at that stage where the only qualification his opponents need is that they're breathing
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) October 26, 2013
Butlin may not have been a potential contender, but he offered a potentially awkward test that Joshua passed with flying colours.
The Englishman will soon find himself up against more established opponents, but considering his excellent physical condition, maturity in the ring and hard-working attitude, the next steps up the ladder aren't likely to cause the Londoner too many problems.
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