Anthony Joshua survived the first knockdown of his young career, coming back to drop Wladimir Klitschko twice before stopping him in the 11th round today to retain his heavyweight titles and stake his claim as the boxing's next star.
In only his 19th professional match‑up and in front of an estimated 90,000‑strong crowd, a post‑war record for a fight in the UK, he was at severe risk of his first ever defeat after hitting the canvas in the sixth following a huge right hand.
The biggest heavyweight-fight in more than a decade had something for everyone, but in the end it was Joshua who announced himself as the future of the division.
He finally turned things around for good with a right uppercut early in the 11th round that spun Klitschko's head around.
He was all over the Ukrainian and dropped him with a left hook, but Klitschko got up only to take even more punishment.
A period of survival followed before, as Joshua recovered his confidence and ambition in the final rounds, he secured two further knockdowns and forced referee David Fields to intervene with Klitschko unable to defend himself from another heavy barrage.
The fight was stopped at 2:25 of the 11th.
Joshua was up 96‑93 and 95‑93 on two scorecards, while Klitschko was ahead 95‑93 on the third.
Joshua acknowledged his trainers who developed him, the audience present and the respect he had for Klitschko.
The 2012 Olympic gold medalist adds that in a sport like boxing it is all about character and he can only look to improve from this match.
Klitschko, in his 29th world title fight, seemed to be taking the advantage in the later rounds until the vicious uppercut sent him spinning across the ring.
Klitchko also acknowledged the record number that turned up for the fight and says that it was really sad he did not make it in the bout today as he congratulated his opponent, Joshua.
Joshua defended his heavyweight titles, winning for the 19th time in as many fights in a bout that lived up to its billing as the best matchup after a long drought in the heavyweight division.
Already a hero in his native England, he may become one worldwide as he continues to advance his career at a rapid pace.
