Joshua retains IBF crown with KO over Molina

Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight trail of destruction continued when he blew away International Boxing, Federation title challenger Eric Molina inside three rounds, paving the  way for him to face Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on April 29.

Klitschko joined Joshua in the ring immediately after the contest and asked the crowd if they wanted to see two former Olympic champions face each other.

The showdown will be for the IBF and the vacant World Boxing Association title. "He's a great champ and I respect him. He wants the belts back, so let's get it on. This fight has to happen," said Joshua.

It was just minutes after Joshua, employing a high guard and advancing on the American, had patiently waited for his opportunity, flooring the Texan with a right hand, and, after he was up at the count of eight after being poleaxed in his corner, was finished by a flurry of heavy blows.

Molina was largely negative, but it was a low-risk strategy for the unbeaten London heavyweight who advanced to 18 fights undefeated. The mega-fight with Klitschko, and it will be that, will be Joshua's first time against an elite opponent.

The capacity 21,000 crowd had their appetites whetted for Joshua's entrance as they were treated to one of the most entertaining all-British heavyweight scraps for many years between Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte.