Anthony Joshua has been crowned Watford's first world heavyweight champion after destroying Charles Martin.

A stunning second round stoppage of champion Martin brought the fight to an early end to the delight of the crowd at the O2.

After a cagey first minute, Joshua found his range and hit Martin with a couple of powerful shots to take the opening round. 

A huge right hand to the chin knocked the champion down. Martin struggled to his feet but it did not last many seconds longer.

Joshua went in for the kill and his next ferocious punch floored Martin again. The American tried to get to his feet but the referee waved the fight off to spark wild celebrations.

The Watford star extended his unbeaten record to 16 wins, which have all come by knockout, to become IBF heavyweight champion.

It was a stunning victory for Joshua as he lived up to his status as short-priced favourite.

But the manner of his win was eyecatching with many expecting the 26-year-old to be given the toughest test of his career.

Joshua will now set his sights on unifying the division and the prospect of a fight with either world champion Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder is likely to be on the horizon.