Sunday 31 May 2015 00:19, UK
Heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua could not hide his delight after becoming the first man to stop Kevin Johnson at the O2 Arena in London.
The Olympic champion was in devastating form, knocking the American down twice in the first round and finishing the job in the second as his punching power lit up another phenomenal night of boxing on Sky Sports Box Office.
Joshua said afterwards: "I really enjoy boxing. Training's the hard part of the game. I get two days to rest in between fights and I get my head down, play a bit of FIFA and chill out with the boys.
"Then I come out here and come out to perform in front of everyone that's come out to support me. This is what it's about.
"I've travelled around under Matchroom Promotions but this place has become my home. It's filling up more and more every time so shout out to everyone who's supported me before and to the new faces too.
"I'm here to try and make statements but my coach really drills me in the gym. It's only right that the hard work pays off. Boxing is a tough sport.
I'm here to try and make statements but my coach really drills me in the gym. It's only right that the hard work pays off.
"People say this guy's going to test me. The L plates will come off and I'm going to face tougher opponents. I don't know. I'm just going to enjoy it while I'm here."
The night was not so kind on Kevin Mitchell and John Ryder, who suffered defeats to WBC lightweight champion Jorge Linares and new British middleweight king Nick Blackwell respectively.
Joshua added of his friends: "I want to dedicate that win to Kevin Mitchell and John Ryder, my team-mates. It's a tough night tonight for them. We all share a changing room and although it's an individual sport, they're my stable-mates.
"They'll bounce back. This is sport. Johnson's going to bounce back. They're true warriors and I take my hats off to them."
