Anthony Joshua 'learned a hell of a lot' in win over Wladimir Klitschko, says trainer Rob McCracken
Sunday 30 April 2017 11:24, UK
Anthony Joshua’s trainer Rob McCracken believes his young fighter learned as much during his epic victory over Wladimir Klitschko as he has in his entire boxing career.
The 27-year-old was knocked down for the first time in his career by Klitschko when he was on the receiving of a huge right hand in the sixth round and at times looked to be heading for the first defeat of his professional career.
But he rallied back in epic fashion, stopping the Ukrainian in the 11th round of an instant classic in front of a sold-out 90,000 crowd at Wembley Stadium to retain his IBF heavyweight world title while also claiming the WBA 'super' belt.
The victory kept Joshua's perfect record (19-0-19KO) intact and McCracken was proud of the character the former Olympic champion showed to climb off the canvas and stop Klitschko.
McCracken told Sky Sports: "He will have learned a hell of a lot tonight. He tightened up at times and I think the occasion got to him a little bit under Klitschko's pressure.
"But that's what boxing is about - it's all about learning. He will have learned so much in that fight - he will have learned as much in that fight as he has learned in his whole career.
"When he hurt Klitschko he went for it and loaded up and got tired and then Klitschko jumped on him. Anthony did so well to come back from that big right hand Klitschko landed on him.
"What a comeback though - he rallied, regrouped, stayed calm and he got through it. He will have learned loads and he finished the fight with a brilliant knockout."
