WATCH: Anthony Joshua knocks out Dominic Breazeale in the seventh round of brutal bout

It took Anthony Joshua seven rounds to get past Dominic Breazeale in their IBF heavyweight world title fight.

The Watford-born fighter was faster, stronger and sharper than his Californian opponent, who didn't look in the same league as Joshua. Breazeale made the mistake of dropping his hands a number of times, a huge error against Joshua,  and one for which he was consistently punished with brutal hooks from the Brit. By the third round, Joshua had Breazeale up against the ropes numerous times, and the American was lucky to stay on his feet after a huge right uppercut from Joshua against the ropes. By the beginning of the fourth round, it felt as though Joshua was toying with his opponent, but Breazeale stood his ground and took some of the momentum out of Joshua's onslaught. Somehow, despite Joshua landing blow after blow, Breazeale was still standing by the sixth round, showing commendable heart and grit. In the end it was little more than a sparring session for Joshua, who was able to pick his punches at his own pace, at his own leisure. It was in round seven that it all came apart for Breazeale, a jab from Joshua's left Breazeale unguarded, and AJ landed a huge right hand to put the American on the deck.

#AndStill @anthonyfjoshua successfully retains his IBF Heavyweight title over @TroubleBoxing via KO #JoshuaBreazealehttps://t.co/Pjabuvn1GM

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) June 25, 2016

Breazeale, tough fighter that he is, came back for more, but got swiftly put back on the deck once more by AJ. So it's 17 fights, 17 victories, 17 knockouts for Anthony Joshua – and still the IBF world heavyweight champion.