Watford's Anthony Joshua defended his IBF heavyweight title in style after beating Eric Molina with a third round stoppage in Manchester.

It was a relatively quiet opening round, which did not start until after midnight, following an explosive build-up featuring the 12-round classic between Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte.

Joshua stepped up the pressure in the second round with Molina offering no threat to the champion.

The unbeaten star wanted a quick finish and delivered with a huge shot which floored Molina.

The challenger made the count but another punishing shot from the champion forced the referee to step in and end the fight in the third round.

Joshua told Sky Sports: "I was patient because people are fresh early on and we move on and it's not the end of the story now. We move on to 2017.

"It's hard dealing with a negative fighter who's not giving you many opportunities."

The victory extends his record to 18 consecutive victories with all coming inside the distance.

It was also announced after the win, as expected, Joshua will take on Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on April 29.