Anthony Joshua exploded into life to stop Alexander Povetkin in seven rounds to retain his WBA Super, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles in front of 80,000 at Wembley.
Joshua had not really hurt Povetkin before he ended the fight in a brutal devastating few seconds in the seventh.
He did the initial damage with a big right hand, and followed that up with a several unanswered shots before landing another right to send the Russian challenger to the canvas.
Povetkin fell through the ropes and did not know where he was. He somehow staggered to his feet, but referee Steve Gray waved it off as Joshua pummelled the former WBA champ to hand him the first stoppage of his 36-fight career.
It was a destructive end to a fight in which Povetkin had caused Joshua problems early on.
Povetkin with his good movement and low, crouching stance proved hard for Joshua to hit and rocked him at the end of the first round with a right uppercut and left hook to give him a nose bleed.
Joshua struggled to get his jab going to utilise his superior reach, although he did land a right uppercut at the start of the fourth. Povetkin then suffered a cut above his left eye when Joshua accidentally caught him with his left elbow.
Povetkin had success with his overhand right and this was a tough test for Joshua.
Joshua began landing his right in the pocket before he found his range in the seventh to spell the end for Povetkin one minute and 59 seconds into the round.
Joshua would love to face unbeaten WBC champ Deontay Wilder, who is fighting Tyson Fury on December 1 in the US, next with April 13 at Wembley already booked.
However that looks unlikely given the stalemate in negotiations and don’t be surprised if Joshua instead faces old rival Dillian Whyte again with their tally standing at one win apiece.
REACTIONS
Haye on AJ’s performance
“I’ve been saying all week that Povetkin is the best opponent that Joshua has faced, so far,” David Haye told Sky Sports.
“Joshua dispatched of him like no-one has done.
“Thirty-five fights coming into this, no-one has taken him out. No-one has manhandled him. No-one has broken him up.
“For me, Joshua goes one step further in the right direction.
“He rises to the occasion. He was getting hit by shots that I’ve never seen him hit by.
“What does he do? He stays calm. Stays patient. He has trust in his punch power and talent.
“He let it flow. Once the bullseye was there, he let it go.”
FURY Reacts To Joshua’s Win
It’s safe to say now that they will never fight the Gypsy King. Never.
They mentioned if it’s not Wilder, it’s Whyte. There’s no mention of Tyson Fury, the lineal heavyweight champion of the world.
It’s alright fighting men 39 years old, half your size.
Tonight it pure evidence I’m fighting the best heavyweight out there in Deontay Wilder. Joshua is not even close.
He’s slow, methodical, ponderous at times. Powerful? Yes, but they all are.
Very, very clear to see, avoid me at all costs. If I was you Joshua, I would avoid me, I’d jab your head off.
You’re a bum. Can’t box, jab your nut in. Easy night’s work.
Rob McCracken on AJ’s performance
You’re going to get hit at this level. Once Anthony used his jab, it was only a matter of time.
It’s a good experience for Anthony, he’ll defend a bit better next time.
He was punch perfect to finish it.
