Anthony Joshua won his mandatory fight against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in round nine to defend his World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) heavyweight world titles on Saturday night at the SSE Arena, Wembley in London.
The British-Nigerian dominated the fight before knocking out Kubrat Pulev in a ninth-round and retain his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles which will hopefully set up an undisputed fight between AJ and Tyson Fury next year.
In the wake of Anthony Joshua’s victory over Kubrat Pulev, AAUA Insider decided to engage with some Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba (AAUA) students on their views on the bout.
Many of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko boxing fans expressed satisfaction but few were not too impressed.
Most of them expressed their eagerness to see a unification fight between Anthony Joshua and fellow British boxer Tyson Fury.
Oluyemi Oluwaseun Owolabi, A 200 Level student shared his view on the match he termed classical he said, ‘I never for once doubted the ability of Anthony Joshua, I knew he would knockout Pulev and the he did. A big congratulations to my fellow Naija brother for retaining his belts. The fight was classical. I’m patiently waiting for the possible challenge against Tyson Fury, the fight could go either way as its that close.”
The second respondent who spoke to AAUA Insider’s correspondent, Olorunfemi John, a 300 Level student said “Anthony Joshua is no doubt one of the best boxers currently and he proved that in yesterday’s ninth-round knocking out of Pulev.
I’m very happy for Joshua’s victory as a Nigerian and a big time fan of his.
I’m eagerly waiting for 2021 to come fast and see what will happen against Fury, it would be in no doubt a match of the decade.”
Asked about the future of boxing in AAUA, John simply laughed and said, “not happening anytime soon.”
Another boxing fan Faniyi Samuel, A 200 Level student who spoke with Insider’s correspondent described Anthony Joshua as a prolific boxer, he said, “for me Anthony Joshua is the man right now and he has proven that again in yesterday’s win over Pulev. In fact I never expected a different result, Pulev was a tough opponent but not in Anthony Joshua’s level.
Speaking about AJ chances against Tyson Fury if they eventually meet next year in a unification bout, Samuel responded, “Joshua will tear him apart” with a cheeky smile.
Our last respondent, who is an AAUA alumnus was not too impressed.”I had expected Joshua to knock Pulev out in the third round. Pulev is no doubt a good fighter but he shouldn’t have withstood AJ till the ninth-round.
I’m glad he won the match and I’m looking forward to what will happen in 2021 in a possible unification match against Fury, it would be a close fight and it should be a fascinating one. For now, all fingers crossed,” He said.
A thousand ticket-buying fans were allowed into the arena for the first time at a British fight since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Author
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Olorunfemi Victor Temitope is a freelance journalist with keen interest in sports especially football. He began his career as a Content Creator at Opera News Hub before joining AAUA Insider as a Sports Editor where he works till now, he is also part time News Writer at 3rdHub Entertainment and a Sports Influencer on Boomplay’s Boombuzz.Victor is also a Researcher and a Sports Analyst.