Anthony Joshua marked his professional debut with an explosive knockout win over Emanuele Leo in the first round. The Olympic gold medallist gave a devastating display of his punch power and his Italian opponent was ruthlessly halted with just seconds remaining in the opener.
Joshua quickly found his range with his right hand and Leo was soon on unsteady legs as the Londoner let his big punches go. A crisp right sent Leo stumbling backwards and Joshua unleashed more spear-like right hands on his wounded foe.
A swift finish seemed inevitable and Joshua closed the show in dramatic fashion as a right left Leo sagging on the ropes before another sent him crashing to the canvas.
The fight was immediately waved off and Joshua was left to reflect on an impressive first victory.
He told Sky Sports: "It was just as important as winning the Olympics as everyone is here to support and everyone is proud that we got the victory and it's just onto the next one now. There is only one pro debut and we ended it in spectacular fashion.
"You could see he was game, he could take a shot. He's got a winner's mentality, 8 and 0, that's what he's in the game to do is win and to do what I done..It's just the start though, I won't get carried away. It's just the beginning."