Joshua v Klitschko: the moment boxing’s epicentre moved from Vegas to London


Las Vegas has long been boxing’s most aspirational platform, but the Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko fight in London may signal a shift in the sport’s commercial centre of gravity

Anthony Joshua lingered in the ring at Wembley Stadium as midnight struck on Sunday morning, bathing in the afterglow of the famous night that saw him write his name indelibly into his country’s rich fistic lore. It had been more than an hour since the 27-year-old from Watford had come off the canvas to violently dispense of Wladimir Klitschko in the most gripping heavyweight title contest since the first bout between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson more than a generation ago, yet the former Olympic champion was content to delay his retreat to the post‑fight news conference, instead holding court with the throngs of well‑wishers who refused to disperse, to the chagrin of the harried stadium stewards. It was as if he did not want the night to end. Who could blame him?

Related: Sky-high hype of Anthony Joshua triumph puts size above quality | Simon Burnton

Related: Joshua-Klitschko thriller the greatest fight Wembley has seen | Sean Ingle

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