Anthony Joshua is refusing to get caught up in talk of potential fights against heavyweight stars, instead preferring to focus on his own development after becoming the first person to stop Kevin Johnson.

The 25-year-old, who used to train at Finchley ABC, picked up a brutal second-round stoppage against the veteran American – who had never previously been stopped – at the O2 Arena on Saturday night.

And after a lethal finish to see off the 35-year-old – who has since announced his retirement – Joshua is keen to ensure he does not get swept up with talk of big fights against the stellar names of the heavyweight division.

Speaking after the victory, his 13th stoppage in as many pro bouts, Joshua said: "How far can I push Anthony Joshua is the most important thing to me.

"How can I better myself? If bettering myself takes me to being the best heavyweight boxer in the world then let's go there. I feel so privileged to be doing this – I could have been laying bricks for a living but one day my cousin took me down to the boxing gym and out of nothing we are now making something work.

"So what have I got to worry about? I'm here to enjoy it and make the most of it. This journey is about bettering myself, not trying to impress anyone or being a fans' favourite. It's about my self-development and being a better person. I love fighting and its good times at the moment."

He added: "I don't mind who comes next and it's not really about that – it's about my own development. I know people are talking about me facing David Price, Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury and those fights will come at some stage, but right now I'll go down the route my coach plots for me."

Johnson had been expected to provide the Watford-born fighter with the sternest test of his career to date. But the Olympic gold medallist claims he did not learn anything from the bout.

"I don't feel I learned anything much - it was just another fight. He's a good opponent for now but certainly not the best one I will ever face.

"I wasn't really worried about Johnson - he's no Wladimir Klitschko or Deontay Wilder. If he had have given me trouble then I have problems. I'm supposed to beat these guys and in good fashion if I am to beat the better opponents that are going to come in the future."