Anthony Joshua won the IBF world heavyweight belt in April

Britain’s Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF heavyweight title with a third-round stoppage of Eric Molina in Manchester.

Joshua, who was making the second defence of his belt, knocked the American down with a short right before the referee waved the fight off.

The 27-year-old now has 18 knockouts from as many fights and will face former heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on 29 April.

“This is the step-up people have wanted,” said Joshua. “Klitschko wants his belts back and may the best man win.”

Klitschko, who lost his WBA, IBF and WBO belts to Tyson Fury last year, stepped through the ropes to speak to Joshua.

“He is the best man in the division and the excitement speaks for itself,” said the Ukraine fighter. “This is what the fans want and this fight must happen.”