Joshua scores another KO
Olympic gold medalist Anthony Joshua (11-0, 11 KOs) scored a third round KO over American journeyman Jason Gavern (26-20-4, 11 KOs) on Saturday night at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.
The unbeaten British heavyweight completely dominated Gavern, knocking him down four times before the referee waived off the bout.
Joshua, 25, who was returning from a five-month lay-off after suffering a stress fracture in his back, took his time in the opening round as his opponent showed little ambition to trade shots.
Joshua's powerful punches soon had the 37-year-old Gavern on the canvas midway through the second round. A short left hand earned Joshua his first knock-down, before a combination had Gavern on the canvas again.
Joshua unloaded more hard shots in the third round that put Gavern down once more, although one punch landed when the American was on the deck.
Gavern bravely got up, but moments later a left hook sent him down again and this time he was unable to beat the count.
Joshua has now recorded 11 consecutive stoppage victories since turning professional.
"I had a bit of ring rust so couldn’t display everything I have been doing in the gym," said Joshua. "But once the momentum gets going I will be able to display some more shots, some more sharp shooting.
“There are a lot of expectations and Jason is a very awkward opponent. He’s a slippery customer and he is there to make me look back and he did a good job of that. I have a job to do and that is get a win.
"If I can start pushing to British titles and European titles, step by step these fights won’t really mean anything when I am experienced and a champion."
Next up for Joshua is American veteran Kevin “Kinpin” Johnson on May 30 at London's O2 Arena.
“Johnson has the same type of style as Jason," said Joshua. "He was a defensive puzzle to unfold but I slowly broke him down and it will be the same with Kevin Johnson.
“There are two sides to a fight, the first six and the second six. One way or another they will get broken down whether it is in the first half or second half.”
Other results on the card:
Anthony Nelson W Jamie Wilson RTD 6
Jon-Lewis Dickinson W Stephen Simmons TKO 8
Mustafa Chadlioui W Travis Dickinson TKO 1
Simon Vallily W Wlodzimierz Letr PTS 6
Jordan King W Iain Jackson KO 1
Stephen Smith W Barrington Brown PTS 6
Charlie Flynn W Andy Harris PTS 4
Jeff Saunders W Sandor Racz TKO 1
Lewis Ritson W Kristian Laight PTS 4
Hosea Burton W Joe Hillerby TKO 4