Anthony Joshua becomes IBF world heavyweight champion after knocking out Charles Martin

Nick Howson

Joshua made short work of Martin to claim the world title in explosive fashion.

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Anthony Joshua produced a stunning second round knockout of Charles Martin to become the IBF world heavyweight champion at the O2 Arena in London. The Olympic champion knocked his American opponent down twice before Martin was counted out to cap an

authoritative

and conclusive performance from the Briton.

Martin and Joshua traded blows in the opening round, but it didn't take long for the Watford-born boxer to take control and two right hands sent the champion to the canvass. Martin was unable to respond to the second blow 92 seconds into the second round following an emphatic performance from the unbeaten Joshua.

"It is only quarter of the way there," said Joshua after his second round win. "I am not going to get too carried away. We went two rounds. I am going to go back to the changing room to do some pads and I've got to keep going because we've got people like [David] Haye calling me out, Tyson Fury calling me out. All of them.

"I need to improve if I am going to maintain and keeping pushing for a higher level. Every fight gets better and better and better. 99.9% of people are coming out to support myself and the other British fighters on the undercard win, lose or draw. I just want to give value for money. I appreciate the ongoing support.

"Every heavyweight has got power. It is just about speed and precision and locking in and staying focused. A few months back I was here having a great scrap with Dillian; that was for the fans. This is for myself. I told you I was going to come out and punish him.

"There will probably be some negativity that Charles Martin was easy. A few days ago he was this big dangerous southpaw and I'd fought no southpaws but the danger is his stance. He was willing to come into the lions den so that says a lot about him so big respect to Charles Martin."

Elsewhere on the undercard, George Groves shook off reports that he was struggling with his weight to produce an accomplished display to beat the previously unbeaten David Trophy inside four rounds. Groves - three times a world super-middleweight title challenger - attacked from the off and as Brophy continued to offer little in response he failed to respond to the count of 10 following a strong body shot.

Lee Selby survived the first knock-down of his career to beat Eric Hunter via a unanimous points decision and retain the IBF world featherweight title. The Welshman was put down in the second round but Hunter was unable to sustain the pressure and after being deducted a point for continual low blows Selby prevailed with an emphatic points victory.

Connor Benn began his professional career with a first round stoppage victory over Ivailo Boyanov. In-front of onlooking father Nigel - the former two-weight world champion - Benn made short work of his Bulgarian opponent with a classy display to claim victory well inside the distance.