Joshua Vows To Improve After Stopping Whyte

Anthony Joshua said he made it tough for himself before halting heavyweight rival Dillian Whyte in the seventh round at The O2.

The Olympic champion added the British title to his Commonwealth crown with a dramatic victory - coming through a rocky second round that saw Whyte land a short left hook that briefly threatened to swing the fight the way of the underdog.

Joshua told Sky Sports afterwards: "Well, well, well. It turned in to a street fight. Lovely reception here. It was a tough fight. I made it tough for myself but that's what I need. I'd be happy to rematch Dillian because I need the experience. He came out and gave me rounds. I learned a lot.

"Now I can look forward. There were mistakes in there I can't take to the top level. That's why Dillian was perfect at this stage. I'm in no rush and I'm going to keep on building until I make my mark in this division.

"It's not about the rivalry. I knew I had the strength to knock him out so I went for it when I saw him hurt in the first round. They can soak it up between one and four and then I found my way and my rhythm and started relaxing. Then I saw certain shots I could throw.

"Certain shots weren't working and that's why I want the 12-round fights so I can perfect what I'm doing. The same power I had in the first round, I had in the seventh and that's how I got him out of there."

The fight threatened to descend in to chaos at the end of the opening round when the pair exchanged blows after the bell before Whyte chased Joshua across the ring and tried to land again - sparking a ring invasion from members of both entourages.

Joshua said of the situation: "I don't know who hit who after the bell. It's a fight so you're going to keep on punching. If someone's punching you, you're going to punch back. That's why the referee's in there to split us up because we would fight for 36 minutes without a break.

"I've got the British title. People ask if I can take a shot. I took a few silly ones. People asked if I can go the rounds. We went further than I've ever been and I was still able to get him out. Boxing is an art. You're getting hit by 18st guys and you get your balance back and keep on doing what you're doing."

When asked if Whyte had earned his respect for taking so many clean shots, the 26-year-old said: "No. Not really."