Anthony Joshua admitted to feeling some ring rust after making a triumphant return to the ring on Saturday night with a third-round knock-out of Jason Gavern.

The former Finchley ABC fighter had been out of the ring for five months due to a stress fracture of the back, but after easing his way back into the contest he soon overpowered the American in Newcastle.

Gavern, fighting for the 50th time, was floored twice in the second round by the 25-year-old former Olympic champion and he repeated the trick in the third - the second occasion proving decisive as Joshua made it 11 professional wins out of 11.

Next up is a bout with former World heavyweight title challenger Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson and the former Finchley Boxing Club fighter said: "I had a bit of ring rust so couldn’t display everything I have been doing in the gym. But once the momentum gets going I will be able to display some more shots, some more sharp shooting.

"I have boxed in Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, London and I have to say Newcastle is right up there with the crowd, so a big thank you to the fans tonight.

"There are a lot of expectations and Jason is a very awkward opponent. He’s a slippery customer and he is there to make me look back and he did a good job of that.

"I have a job to do and that is get a win. If I can start pushing to British titles, European titles step by step these fights won’t really mean anything when I am experienced and a champion.

"Johnson has same type of style as Jason; he was a defensive puzzle to unfold but I slowly broke him down and same with Kevin Johnson.

"There are two sides to a fight, the first six and the second six. One way or another they will get broken down whether it is in the first half or second half."

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn added: "He was coming off a stress fracture in the back. Kevin Johnson was down to be the next opponent but Anthony has been out for months.

"He has had ten fights and it was always a race against time to be in Newcastle tonight. He wanted to be here and trained very hard tome come out for Newcastle fans and now we more on to May 30 at The O2.

"It is a massive fight on a massive bill, and then we want all the big domestic fights."