Showtime Boxing International Results: Selby Wins by Decision, Joshua Demolishes Martin
By: William Holmes
Showtime boxing was broadcast live from the O2 Arena in London, England and televised two world title fights. Two British boxers participated in tonight’s bouts as Lee Selby defended his IBF Featherweight Title against Philadelphia native Eric Hunter and former Olympic Gold Medalist
Anthony Joshua took part in his first title fight against Charles Martin.
The opening bout of the night was between Lee Selby (22-1) and Eric Hunter (21-3) for Selby’s IBF Featherweight Title.
Both boxers started off in an orthodox stance and Hunter looked like he was trying to stay on the outside early on while Selby pushed the pace. Selby was able to momentarily trap Hunter a few times in the first round and was able to land a few straight right hands and left hooks upstairs.
Selby started off the second round strong with a solid right cross followed by a snapping jab. Selby, however, at one point got reckless and was cracked with a counter left hook that sent him to the mat. He was able to beat the count and survive the round, but he did suffer a clean knockdown.
Selby was able to recover by the third round and re-took control of the fight by staying more active and connected often with his jab. The fourth round featured a little more back and forth and could have gone either way, but Selby looked like he was fighting his style of fight.
Selby was able to rock Hunter in the fifth and sixth round with clean straight right hands and was beginning to visibly frustrate Hunter.
A low blow landed for Hunter in the seventh round and Selby responded by landing stiff combinations. Hunter’s frustration continued in the eighth and ninth round as he continued to land low blows. He was deducted a point in the eighth round and was warned again by the referee.
Hunter pressed the pace in the championship rounds and appeared to be looking for a big hook to end the fight, but Selby relied on his boxing prowess and was able to box safely and effectively to win a decision victory.
Lee Selby retained his title with a decision victory with scores of 115-111, 116-110, and 116-110.
The main event of the night was between British Phenom Anthony Joshua (15-0) and IBF Heavyweight Champion Charles Martin (23-0-1). Both boxers were known for their knockout power and the crowd at the O2 Arena appeared to sense that this fight might not go the full twelve rounds, as they were singing loudl
Anthony Joshua, despite being the hometown fighter, came into the ring first and was met with a positive reaction while Martin was greeted with mainly boos and jeers.
Anthony Joshua looked to be in incredible shape and was walking the southpaw Martin down early. Joshua was sharp with his jab early and was moving Martin backwards. Anthony Joshua had Martin fearing his shots early on and took control of the first round.
Martin came out in the second round looking determined and was throwing out a few jabs. Joshua, however, pressed forward and was landing his jab and right hooks. Joshua blew open the gates with a straight right hand in the second round and sent Martin to his butt on the canvas. Martin was barely able to get up at the count of nine, and the referee allowed the fight to continue. Joshua left little to chance and connected with another hard straight right hand that sent Martin to the canvas for a second time. He got up at the last second, but the referee waived off the fight while Martin protested.
Some referees would have let the fight continue, but Martin was badly hurt.
Anthony Joshua won the IBF Heavyweight Title by knockout at 1:32 of round two.
