Joushua Passed His First Test

[black panther]

Dillian showed tremendous heart, will and ability. But let's keep it real; he's still quite raw will a lot of technical deficiencies and has never been beyond four rounds himself.

He may go on to improve and get some useful wins himself but right now he's some way off world level himself. It was a good win for Joshua at this stage of his career but it was hardly proof that he can hang at world level.

Both also looked to be seriously tiring - after only 7 rounds of a 12 round fight.

[stevedoc]

Dillian showed tremendous heart, will and ability. But let's keep it real; he's still quite raw will a lot of technical deficiencies and has never been beyond four rounds himself.

He may go on to improve and get some useful wins himself but right now he's some way off world level himself. It was a good win for Joshua at this stage of his career but it was hardly proof that he can hang at world level.

Both also looked to be seriously tiring - after only 7 rounds of a 12 round fight.

[Bard of Boxrec]

world level

Problem being - what exactly is 'world level' nowadays?

This 'linear progression' argument so many people love, just doesn't wash any more. It's about to change, but the division is still shallow. Joshua has some improvements to make, but that doesn't mean he isn't ready now.

[roy]

AJ has never claimed to be indestructable. I've heard him say,on more than one occasion, that anyone can be KO'd if hit cleanly on the chin by a big heavyweight. Wlad, Lennox, Mike Tyson etc have all been KO'd. David Haye was wobbled by a middleweight (Lomenga Mock) early in his career. Joshua will no doubt get beaten at some stage but, I don't think anyone can deny, that he's fun to watch.

[xerz00]

Passed it with a few minors and one major.

As I have said elsewhere I wouldn't trust him with his current trainers

I agree with that.

I agree, the things people thought were his weaknesses when he started ie defence and footwork haven't improved in 14 fights. What are they doing with him?

going by all the promotional videos.... lifting weights!

[xerz00]

Reacted badly? He was momentarily stunned by a perfect left hook. Recovered in five seconds. Paced himself a bit thereafter which is understandable, fought intelligently, stepped it up, won every round bar one and nearly decapitated the guy in the 7th, finishing the job with precision. What more can you possibly ask?

I have a feeling this test is all Joshua needed to prove he's going all the way because I don't think Whyte is a slouch. Time will tell, but if Whyte isn't too ruined by this he could come again.

Yes, in my opinion he reacted badly. This was not a guy who just took a hard shot and you there was no noticeable reaction, he stumbled, legs went for a moment and he showed that he can have his senses scrambled. He did not recover in five seconds at all. The rest of the round he threw weak arm punches and had no pop or spring and looked heavily affected.

For the next round or two he looked tired, unsure, slightly hesitant and not at all the same fighter as the opening round with less impact and snap in his own punches.

My opinion and how I read it. Bookmark our difference of opinion here and revisit in the future when I am sure he gets KTFO

It is all about learning but if that had been against Haye he wouldnt have survived!

[tobyh5]

I can see the positives in how he learnt a lesson, gathered himself and came on strong again but I also see that he would not have recovered if he had someone capable of capitalising on the moment better. How he reacted badly to the bodyshot is being well overlooked too. He does not like it downstairs (not that anyone does, but he really had the wind taken out of him for a while from that)