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'A jackpot of a staggering 120 billion won, followed by the deaths of his two closest aides' — The tragic champion, now starring in a 'historic comeback KO' drama... This time, he is set to pocket 177 billion won.

Updated:

Park Geondo

*This content was translated by AI.

Anthony Joshua. /Photo=NDTV archive
Anthony Joshua. /Photo=NDTV archive

A British boxing legend has secured a historic victory. Olympic gold medalist Anthony Joshua (36) overcame the crisis of falling to the canvas twice within the first round alone, securing a comeback win and significantly raising the likelihood of a blockbuster match against Tyson Fury (37) worth 100 million pounds (approximately 177 billion won).

On the 26th (Korea time), Joshua faced Christian Fraenga (Albania, 35) in a heavyweight bout held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Although he struggled, going down just 20 seconds into the match, he secured a KO victory with a powerful right-hand straight in the second round.

Last December, Joshua defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and earned a massive fight purse of approximately 68 million pounds (around 120 billion won). However, he subsequently endured a horrific tragedy. While visiting Nigeria, he was involved in a severe traffic accident after boarding a vehicle driven by an unlicensed driver, losing two coaching staff members who had been like brothers to him for over a decade: personal trainer Latif Ayodele and rehabilitation coach Sina Gami.

The bout against Fraenga was Joshua's first official match back in the ring following the tragic accident. Wearing a khaki robe with the names of his two deceased colleagues engraved on the floor of the red corner, Joshua appeared with an extraordinary determination.

Anthony Joshua heads to the ring for a professional boxing heavyweight match lasting 3 minutes over 8 rounds held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, USA. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Anthony Joshua heads to the ring for a professional boxing heavyweight match lasting 3 minutes over 8 rounds held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, USA. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

However, Joshua struggled early in the match against Fraenga's ruthless punches. Just 20 seconds into the first round, he took an uppercut to the chin from Fraenga and fell to the canvas. Although he managed to get up, a staggering Joshua allowed another punch shortly after, resulting in the worst possible start with two knockdowns within the first round alone.

It was a single right-hand punch that saved Joshua from this life-and-death crisis. Entering the second round, Joshua cornered Fraenga and landed a precise right-hand straight directly on his opponent's chin. Fraenga, struck by the punch, lost consciousness and collapsed immediately, leading to the declaration of a second-round TKO victory for Joshua.

After a fierce battle that allowed him to escape defeat, Joshua climbed onto the ring ropes and waved to the crowd in a ceremony signaling that he had booked a ticket for a showdown with Fury.

This victory has lit a green light for the long-awaited Battle of Britain between Joshua and Fury, pitting the two heavyweight champions of the UK against each other. According to local British reports, the match between Fury and Joshua is expected to be a major event worth around 100 million pounds. It is reported that Joshua and Fury's blockbuster match will likely take place at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA, contrary to the expectations of home fans in the UK.

Jake Paul (left) dodges Anthony Joshua's left hook during a professional boxing heavyweight match lasting 3 minutes over 8 rounds held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, USA, last December. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Jake Paul (left) dodges Anthony Joshua's left hook during a professional boxing heavyweight match lasting 3 minutes over 8 rounds held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, USA, last December. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

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*This content was translated by AI.

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