Joshua expected to make light work of ‘robot’ opponent

“I come to knock people out and give value for money. It’s all about power and precision.”

These featured among the in-ring words of Anthony Joshua, after stopping Charles Martin inside five minutes to become the IBF world heavyweight champion back in April.

Whether a record that shows 15 of 16 victories coming inside three rounds in heavily one-sided bouts equates to value for money is another argument, but many will be tipping more of the same when Joshua makes the first defence of his title against Dominic Breazeale.

Breazeale may bring his own undefeated professional record to the table (17 wins with 15 by KO), but he is still only ranked in ninth spot within the IBF ratings, only marginally ahead of British pair Dereck Chisora and David Price.

Furthermore, the American was beaten 19-8 in the first round of the 2012 Olympics by Magomed Omarov, who then was beaten in round two. Joshua obviously went on to win gold.

Fellow heavyweight competitor Eddie Chambers, who is perhaps best known for getting knocked out by Wladimir Klitschko in the 12th round in 2010, is among those believing Breazeale is a safe option at this stage of Joshua’s career.

They picked the easiest opponent for @anthonyfjoshua ..Dominic Breazele is too easy to hit #Robot

— Eddie Chambers (@champfasteddie) April 25, 2016

Joshua is 1/16 to extend his record to 17-0, with 1/12 the price that he maintains his perfect KO record.

Therefore, for those seeking some betting value, it may be round betting that appeals most. We’ll be top price on every Round for both fighters from 12:00*.

Joshua was fairly patient for the opening three minutes against Martin, feeling out the champion before jumping on the opportunity to end the fight when it arose.

There have been suggestions that Joshua will use this showdown with Breazeale to work on his mobility and footwork in preparation for tougher tests in the future and if this is the case, he is unlikely to blast out of the blocks throwing bombs.

Half of Joshua’s victories to date have arrived in round two and 11/4 is decent odds for another repeat.

Alternatively, there has been a price boost on Joshua to win the fight inside 60 seconds, with the odds changing from 9/1 to 11/1.

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.