• Heavyweight

Joshua secures eighth straight knockout

Anthony Joshua was taken to the third round for the first time in his professional career against Konstantin Airich © PA Photos

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Anthony Joshua continued his perfect start to his professional career by stopping Konstantin Airich at the Phones 4U Arena in Manchester.

For the first time in his eight professional fights, Joshua was taken to a third round but still eased to victory with another dominant display, sending Airich to the canvas twice for an eighth straight knockout.

Following the fight, Joshua admitted he decided to take a more methodical approach than in his previous bouts.

"I'm just taking my time with things, picking shots," Joshua told Sky Sports. "I'm enjoying it, getting experience at this level. There's no point rushing it and doing the same old thing as four or five months ago.

"I wanted to go eight rounds, to be honest with you. Some shots I hit him with, some opponents would've gone out in the second round, but he stood up. It's only a matter of time when you get caught with those, I caught him with a peach."

Joshua also said he has greatly benefited from his recent sparring sessions with Wladimir Klitschko as he looks ahead to his first title fight against Denis Bakhtov on October 11 at the O2 Arena.

"The champ's [Klitschko] in a league of his own," Joshua added. "He told me he had ups and downs and got them right, it's not always a smooth road. It was good experience for me and got me in good shape for this fight.

"There's a lot of work to be put in and I'm trying to progress at a good pace. At the same time I know there's a big gap to fill. October 11 will be a great show, going back to London. It's another stepping stone."

Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, added: "If you look at the progression of some of the great heavyweights, his is much faster.

"He's dispatching people with ease every time. It's good to see him make bigger steps than anticipated."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd