WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua 22-0, 21 KOs) retained his spot at the top of the division with a stoppage win over former champion Alexander Povetkin (34-2, 24 KOs) at Wembley Stadium, London, England.

Povetkin started the contest with bad intentions, throwing every shot in an effort to land something substantial to cause the upset, it wasn’t to be but it also wasn’t for the want of trying as he rocked Joshua momentarily in the opener.

Blood flowed from the nose of Joshua but he remained composed enough to get himself back in the contest, landing a big shot in the fourth which caused a cut over the left eye of the Russian.

The champion started to pivot away from the hooks after the fifth showing his adaptability, ramping up his attacks with combinations that started to make their mark.

Joshua had bided his time, using his jab to set up the firepower that followed, turning the screw slowly for round after round as he began his ascent culminating in a right hand in the seventh which stunned Povetkin sufficiently enough for Joshua to know that his time for a highlight reel finish had come.

A right hand dropped Povetkin who looked in a world of hurt as he somehow made it to his feet but it was brief, Joshua finished proceedings with another right hand that sent Povetkin back to the canvas, signalling the end of his challenge.

“Povetkin is a very tough challenger, he proved that tonight with good left hooks and counter punches, but I came here to have fun and give it my best”

“I knew he was strong to the head but weak to the body. I was just mixing it up.

“It could have been seven, maybe nine, maybe 12 rounds to get him out of there. But the ultimate aim was to be victorious”