When Anthony Joshua came out for the second round against former Heavyweight Champion Kevin Johnson, he would have been forgiven for thinking the fight should have already been stopped.

This, a well-respected fighter who had never before been stopped in a career spanning nearly 13 years, but a 25 year old rising star from Watford had this veteran on his backside and halfway through the ropes in the very first round.

Somewhat amazingly Johnson was brought too by his corner, and just like putting a lamb to the slaughter he was dragged back out into the middle of the ring to be finished off by a ruthless Joshua. It became 13 KO’s out of 13 for the 25-year old who merely brushed aside the cock sure American, who had placed a 15,000 bet on himself to win the bout.

The only way is up for this impressive British boxing talent, with many within the boxing community already asking when a title shot will come. If he carries on in a similar fashion making former greats of the heavyweight division look like amateurs, that chance at the belt may be a lot closer than many first thought.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that the plan is to set up a title bout in 12 months’ time, with one or two fights in between. Those that refuse to dream of a Tyson-esque British heavyweight champion criticise his previous 12 opponents prior to Johnson, but many think this guy could just be one of the greats.

Stopping ‘the unstoppable’ Johnson in such brutal fashion has really elevated his standing in the division and has perhaps turned some of those who had played down Joshua’s promise into believers. He has certainly showcased many of the qualities needed to go far in the division.

Punches that make you wince just watching from the sofa, hand speed that ties opponents in knots and tremendous size and athleticism that makes many of the larger in the division look small by comparison; he has proved he can do real damage.

However, we cannot be naïve enough to think that he cannot also be knocked on his backside, in a similar fashion to that of Johnson at the weekend. We are yet to see anyone get close enough to actually connect with a big punch on the gold medallist.

A big punch from one of the title holders Deontay Wilder or Wladimir Klitschko could yet reveal a glass jaw that has previously been untested. It wouldn’t be the first time an exciting young British fighter has had his bubble burst in the bigger fights either, with Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan prime examples.

However things with Joshua seem different, he is currently laying waste to all those that stand before him putting some big names on the mat with ease. On current form Hearn could struggle to find fighters in the division who are willing to put their reputation on the line.

David Price has openly expressed his desire to fight AJ and could match up, but should a man that had been stopped by a smaller, older and weaker Tony Thompson, go in with Joshua? David Haye is another name that has popped up in the past which would make for the most exciting British fight since Froch Groves II almost exactly a year ago.

A fight like that would be reminiscent of the glory days of British heavyweight boxing, Frank Bruno - Lennox Lewis springs to mind. As the excitement and expectation surrounding Joshua begins to grow, it will only be a matter of time before he is handed a big money showdown with someone like Haye, Fury or Chisora or indeed a title shot.

Kevin Johnson,  was supposed be the one who was going to slow down the hype train surrounding the big man, perhaps going the distance or at the very least putting up a fight.

Instead he was brushed aside with ease by the Olympic Gold Medallist, who will now move straight on to preparation for his next fight exactly as he did with the last 12. Not only did Joshua become the first man to stop Kingpin he has also sent a message to those doubting his credibility, leaving many of us wondering how long it will be until we see him get a shot at the very top.

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About the author
Sean Carter
Sports Journalist, mainly cover football but have been known to cover Boxing, Cricket and Golf among others.