Anthony Joshua’s thrilling heavyweight victory against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium broke the British Box Office record on pay-per-view, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua heralded the start of a new era of heavyweight boxing by dramatically recovering from the first knockdown of his career before stopping his 41-year-opponent in the 11th round.

Making the third defence of his IBF title, the 27-year-old Briton also became the WBA champion and silenced his critics who had suggested that the fighter had neither the punch resistance, intelligence or variety to succeed Klitschko as the world's leading heavyweight.

Who next for Anthony Joshua? Show all 8 1 /8 Who next for Anthony Joshua? Who next for Anthony Joshua? Joshua defeated Carlos Takam - so who's next? Getty Who next for Anthony Joshua? Deontay Wilder A fight between Joshua and America's WBC heavyweight champion Wilder, 31, would likely prove the richest in the heavyweight division. The combination of two charismatic, explosive punchers would appeal both in the UK and the US, but may have such commercial potential that they would choose to delay until next summer. Getty Who next for Anthony Joshua? Joseph Parker New Zealand's WBO champion Parker carries less threat and appeal than Wilder but also represents less of a risk. The 25-year-old controversially beat Tyson Fury's cousin Hughie in September, and is one of only two fighters against which a unification match-up could be made. Getty Who next for Anthony Joshua? Hughie Fury Hughie Fury is looking to bounce back from the defeat to Parker and a domestic fight with Joshua could be on the cards as a build-up fight to Wilder. His schedule would fit with the time Joshua would want to fight next. Getty Who next for Anthony Joshua? Tyson Fury Fury is arguably Joshua's biggest rival but he first needs to get his licence back, lose about six stone and start training regularly again. Until then this will just be a dream fight but seeing his cousin box Joshua could be the inspiration Fury needs to get fit again. Getty Who next for Anthony Joshua? Tony Bellew The former WBC cruiserweight champion's unexpected defeat of David Haye has given him far more appeal in the heavyweight division than any would have predicted. He has that rematch with Haye to deal with first and if he gets past that then a fight with Joshua could happen. However, he seems incapable of providing Joshua with much of a test, but the money involved in fighting the champion will become such that any potential offers will be tempting. A match-up between the two is also straightforward to make, given they are both promoted by Matchroom. Getty Who next for Anthony Joshua? David Haye Haye used to hold the heavyweight world title until he lost to Wlaimir Klitschko and subsequently retired in 2011, only to launch a comeback that has never really taken off. He suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his defeat by Tony Bellew earlier this year, and while he is now preparing to avenge that loss, he could yet be a future opponent for Joshua and desperately wants him after Bellew. Getty Who next for Anthony Joshua? Dillian Whyte Whyte fought on the undercard in Cardiff and there is genuine dislike between him and Joshua. Joshua actually wanted him to replace Pulev following the fighter's withdrawal. They have already fought once but Whyte wants another shot while Joshua would love to bury his fellow Brit's career. Getty

It was his 19th consecutive victory as well as his 19th straight knockout win.

Speaking to Radio 5 Live after the fight, Hearn said: “We broke British Box Office records on pay-per-view last night.

“We can't tell you the number last night because it's too early but the record was 1.5 million for Manny Pacquiao against Floyd Mayweather. Last night beat that for sure.”

After a cagey and nervy opening four rounds, Joshua unleashed a barrage of hits in the fifth to send his opponent hurtling to the canvas with victory seemingly in sight.

Joshua celebrates his victory above the fallen Klitschko (Getty)

But Klitschko recovered, rallied and sent Joshua crashing to the canvas in the sixth in what was the Briton’s first-ever knockdown in professional boxing.

Joshua held out, however, and eventually found the power and energy to see off the 41-year-old in a devastating onslaught in the penultimate round.

“Breath-taking, emotion, heart, ups and downs, both fighters on the deck and then a young fighter who looked like he'd emptied the tank," said Hearn on Saturday night's London thriller.

“He'd looked like he'd almost run out of ideas and he was done and just somehow found something from within to come back and knock out Wladimir Klitschko."

Hearn added: “Anthony Joshua is learning on the job.

Eddie Hearn at the weigh-in (Getty)

“This guy has had 18 professional fights and, although he won Olympic gold, he hardly has any amateur experience compared some of these other seasoned guys. He has 40 amateur fights.

“To be exposed in front of 90,000 people with your lack of experience is brutal but to come through the other side is just one of the most remarkable performances I've ever seen.”

On the possibility of a rematch, Hearn explained: “If fans want to see a rematch then I would say there's a very good chance that be met.

“Let's just remember it was tough fight for Klitschko and it was a tough fight for Joshua.

“There is a chance that Klitschko could turn around and say 'you know what I gave it everything', and what a wonderful performance by the way. He might say 'that's me done', or he might say 'let's go again'.

“I think there's a very good chance that it could happen because everybody wants it.