Sunday 12 October 2014 11:36, UK
Anthony Joshua says he enjoyed his quick victory over veteran fighter Denis Bakhtov at the O2 Arena on Saturday night.
And the exciting young British heavyweight added that he is now into phase two of his career, starting with a fight against Michael Sprott on 22 November.
Joshua has claimed the WBC international heavyweight title after stopping Denis Bakhtov just a minute into the second round.
And he said: “I really enjoy it. The training is so hard and, at fight time, I get to enjoy everything I have been working on.
“We are in phase two now so it is time to step it up
“It only went two rounds and I just wanted to hurt him. I could have boxed but I wanted to work my inside game. He has not been stopped, so I just wanted to see what he could take and see what he was about.
“He was a strong guy, he was not an easy opponent but I wanted to make light work of him.
“Britain is breeding some talented fighters. He had not been stopped for nine years but I don’t think he has fought anyone from here.”
Regarding his upcoming schedule, he added: “One step at a time. This is phase two. In year one, we went from Emanuele Leo to Mr Bakhtov for the international title.
“Phase two, you can kind of see what route we are going in. Michael Sprott is first and, by the end of it. I’m sure we will be fighting for another belt or some sort of British title. That’s what I’m looking forward to already.
“I have to go back to the changing room now and do about 20 minutes of pad work because I was scheduled for 10 rounds and only went two, so I’ve got to make up the rest!”
Promoter Eddie Hearn is incredibly excited about Joshua’s future.
There has been talk of a showdown with David Haye but while David Price seems to be more likely, he is adamant his fighter will rule the heavyweight division.
“That was phenomenal, he gets better and better,” said Hearn
“He is such a down-to-earth guy, a role model for young people.
“This is a great opportunity for British boxing, to have somebody like Anthony Joshua. He is going to go through absolutely everybody in the heavyweight division.
“He can be as humble as he likes. I won’t be. This is the most special individual I have seen in a long time. He is going to clear out the entire heavy weight division and unify it.
“This is phase two and, by the end of phase two, he will be top 15 in the WBC. Every ranking body is going to want him in their rankings because he is an absolute superstar, not just of boxing, of sport.
“The country needs to get behind him and Joshua against (David) Price next year could be a big, big fight.”
