Video by Radio Rahim

Anthony Joshua produced a stunning seventh-round knockout of Dillian Whyte as he overcame his toughest challenge yet to seize the vacant British heavyweight title at The O2.

Joshua, who also retained his Commonwealth crown, ended a bad-tempered clash after one minute and 27 seconds, initially staggering his bitter rival with a straight right before finishing him off with a ferocious right uppercut.

In initially worrying scenes, Whyte lurched over having been knocked to the canvas and once the fight had been waved off medics rushed into the ring to adminster oxygen. Whyte was soon back on his feet, however.

The 15th victory of Joshua's unblemished professional career avenged his defeat to the same opponent when they clashed as amateurs in 2009 and will taste sweet after having been branded a "scumbag" and "fake" by Whyte in the build up to their rematch.

Joshua had never been taken beyond three rounds in his 14 previous contests and Whyte was expected to endure a similar fate at the fists of the 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight gold medal winner, despite his success when they met as amateurs.

However, he drew Joshua into the type of scrappy fight that offered his best chance of causing an upset before his opponent's power ultimately proved the difference.

Joshua dominated the opening round, making an impression with the straight right and left hook and as the midway mark passed he began to enjoy himself, sticking out his tongue in satisfaction and grinning as he rammed his fists home.

The first round ended in explosive fashion with the rivals exchanging blows after the bell, resulting in several members of Whyte's entourage bursting into the ring to remonstrate.

Once they had been cleared out so that the second could start, Joshua's big right continued to find its mark but as the seconds passed his pace slowed.

Whyte gained a foothold in the third by going to the body and, revelling in the occasion, was happy to take the fight to the 1-14 favourite having so far soaked up many of his best shots.

There was less conviction about the cries of 'Anthony Joshua' when they sounded during the fifth, with Whyte's resilience hinting an upset was possible.

But Whyte, an 8-1 underdog who shortly after turning professional was banned for two years for testing positive for a banned stimulant, began to tire in the sixth as the accumulative toll of Joshua's punches took effect.

By the seventh Joshua was back in full control, reigning down heavy blows until the conclusive straight right and right uppercut found their mark, inflicting the first defeat of Whyte's professional career.