Anthony Joshua fights over 12 rounds for the first time this weekend when he faces Denis Bakhtov in London's o2 Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

The Olympic champion has won all eight of his fights inside three rounds but expects the experienced Russian to be a tougher test.

Bakhtov, 35, has won 38 of his 47 contests, 35 by knockout, and lost nine fights since turning professional 15 years ago.

Bakhov defeated Konstantin Airich on points in his last fight in July while Joshua stopped the same opponent inside three rounds in September.

“Bakhtov is a durable guy, it’s a WBC international title so remember he is coming to win as well,” Joshua told Sky Sports News.

“These are the type of opponents Eddie (Hearn) and my manager are putting me in with now, because they expect them to give me rounds.

“If the stoppage comes I won’t hesitate to take them out, but I won’t look for it and get caught with silly shots.

“The game plan is to stick behind my jab, my one-twos, hooks and continue to box.

“The threat is, he has a good jab, he’s very busy and he likes to loop over lefts and rights, but I’ve practiced on defending them. Maybe his strength can lead to his downfall, who knows, because we’ve counter-attacked most of his strengths in the gym.”

Watch Joshua take on Bakhtov at London’s o2 this Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 from 8.30pm