The IBF, IBO and new WBA ‘super’ champion produced a stunning comeback to knock Wladimir Klitschko out with a total of four knockdowns along the way.
After a cagey opening few rounds, it was Joshua who looked stronger and with more intent. The pressure paid off when Klitschko was knocked down by a crisp left hook.
The young lion looked set to finish the Ukrainian off before Klitschko himself produced a devastating right uppercut to hurt Joshua.
In round six, AJ was sent flying into the canvas having received a right hook to the jaw. The next few rounds, the Londoner went through the motions, shaking off the damage he had taken in previous rounds.
With Rob McCracken urging his man on, Joshua galvanised himself to win back-to-back rounds with several smart and tidy combinations.
It was round 11 that saw Joshua enter his names into the record books. Producing three stunning knockdowns, Klitschko clawed himself up twice but had not reply to the third. Hanging on the ropes, the referee called the fight to a halt.
The heavyweight battle of the two stars lived up to the hype surrounding the event and left 90,000 fans and millions around the world with a memory that will be cherished forever.
In the co-feature, ex-world champion Scott Quigg began life under Freddie Roach with a points victory over Viorel Simion.
The featherweight won the IBF title eliminator through a unanimous decision with judges scoring the contest 117-111, 117-111 and 115-113.
It was far from the complete performance from the 28-year-old as he took punishment during the fight, offering an open defence at times during the fight.
The man from Bury is now targeting a summer showdown with Welshmen Lee Selby for the IBF title.
