Joshua Surprises Fans by Snubbing Klitschko As His Greatest Career Win

Joshua Surprises Fans by Snubbing Klitschko As His Greatest Career Win

By Our Reporter 

Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has revealed that victories over Dillian Whyte and Andy Ruiz Jr rank as the most significant wins of his career, citing the intense pressure surrounding both fights.

Joshua's dramatic triumph over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in April 2017 is widely regarded as one of boxing's defining modern heavyweight contests. Entering the bout as the unbeaten IBF champion, Joshua had stopped every opponent he had faced and was rapidly establishing himself as Britain's biggest boxing star.

Klitschko, however, remained a formidable force despite having been inactive since losing his world titles to Tyson Fury in a stunning upset in November 2015. The Ukrainian veteran pushed Joshua to his limits, dropping the British fighter in the sixth round after being knocked down himself a round earlier.

Joshua recovered impressively to produce an unforgettable finish, stopping Klitschko in the 11th round to unify the heavyweight titles and cement his status as one of the sport's biggest global attractions.

Despite the significance of that victory, Joshua believes two other wins stand above the rest.

Speaking to Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith on DAZN, the 36-year-old reflected on the defining moments of his career.

"Klitschko – a lot of pressure. Ruiz 2 – immense pressure. But what was the best win? Can I pick two?»

"I would probably pick Dillian Whyte – maddest fight. Good, good scrap. And then Ruiz 2, because people were saying I should retire and that, if I didn't win, I'd have no chance of getting back in the heavyweight rankings."

Joshua defeated Whyte by seventh-round stoppage in their heated all-British rivalry in 2015, handing his long-time rival his first professional defeat in an explosive encounter.

His rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019 carried even greater significance. Six months earlier, Joshua had suffered one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight history after Ruiz stopped him in six rounds to claim his world titles.

Facing widespread criticism and questions over his future, Joshua produced a disciplined tactical performance in the rematch, boxing behind his jab and controlling the contest to earn a unanimous decision victory and reclaim the heavyweight championship.