Anthony Joshua’s IBF title defence is a Christmas present of limited appeal | Kevin Mitchell


Eric Molina in Manchester on 10 December is not the match long-suffering Lennox Lewis fans were hoping to see for the champion’s second defence

It is in one respect unfair that Anthony Joshua should be pilloried for defending his IBF world title against a third moderate American in the shape of Eric Molina in Manchester on 10 December.

The Watford fighter came late to boxing as a rebellious teenager who might have been lost to a life of street crime, but that has not hindered his rise to the top with an undisturbed run of 17 professional knockouts after winning Olympic gold in London four years ago. The 27-year-old is an ornament to the game, dedicated, amiable and dangerous.

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