Back to the Joshua build-up in a minute, but first it is an emotional scene at the O2 Arena. Ten bells sound around the arena to remember the passing of the legendary Muhammad Ali. 

This is the first heavyweight title fight since the sad passing of Ali - regarded as the greatest fighter of all time.

Fans had chanted "Ali, Ali, Ali" at the London venue before the bells rang.

Since his professional debut, London's O2 Arena has become Joshua's boxing home and a driving force of his success. 

Speaking to Sky Sports' The Gloves Are Off, Joshua had a strong warning for Breazeale in what lies ahead in his 'lion's den'.  

"My advice to Dominic was 'we're here now and there's no turning back'. He's already in a deep hole with his back against the wall. You'll see when we're in that arena. People love it. They pay to see war and I've delivered every time I step in that ring. 

"If he thinks he's going to come to the O2 and smack me around, his mindset's wrong because it ain't that simple. I'm not losing my belt." 

Image source, Getty Images

Anthony Joshua has enjoyed a rapid rise through the heavyweight ranks, and that's because he makes quick work of his opponents. 

Out of his previous 16 knockout victims, only one has taken Joshua past the third round - his London rival Dillian Whyte in their seven-round thriller for the British title in December. 

And now comes his next challenger Dominic Breazeale, who is an inch taller and almost a stone heavier than Joshua. 

But in boxing they say, the bigger the opponent, the harder they fall. 

And now on to the main event of the night as Britain's Anthony Joshua takes on American Dominic Breazeale for the IBF heavyweight championship.

Martin Murray says he will not be quitting boxing. He tells Sky Box Office: "I got beaten by a better man. He was good and he hurt me a couple times

"I'm gutted. I'm sorry I didn't do enough today and I got beat clearly tonight. But I'm not ready to retire. People say George Groves is finished but he proved tonight he's not and I definitely have so much more to give. "

Winner George Groves tells Sky Box Office: "I think I performed great, but I got caught with punches. Martin Murray is a class act and should be a world champion.

"It was make or break tonight, but I had him out on his feet. That was my first step up since losing to Badou Jack. I did well but hats off to Murray. What a performer." 

Image source, Reuters

Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell...

All three judges have the scores the same - 118-110 - and Groves is the man celebrating.

He probably gets to dine at boxing's top table one more time. Where does Murray go from here? It is hard to say, but hopefully this will not be the last time we see his bravery in the ring.

Now that was a fight. First three rounds were cagey, but Murray, with increasing desperation, gave everything he could to knock his opponent out.

One final flourish from George Groves, he is finishing stronger and one sustained attack could be the finish, before Groves loses his balance and wobbles backwards.

Brave from Murray, but Groves and his team are the ones celebrating. Judges have surprised us in the past. Will we get that now?

Murray, with blood coming from his nose, goes into head-down and attack mode. Easier said than done though, and Groves evades the attack.

Image source, Reuters

Former England footballer Trevor Sinclair...

A crushing left from Martin Murray can only find glove, not face. The 11th sees not much joy for either fighter. Three minutes left.

Has Murray got enough in the tank for one final onslaught?

Image source, Reuters

But as Murray attacks with a wonderful left hook to the head, he then walks into one from Groves and the momentum is immediately blunted. No-one can fault Martin Murray's desire or work rate.

However, it does not change the situation. If Murray is to win this, he needs a knockout. He has six minutes to do it.

Image source, PA

It is now or never for Martin Murray. Maybe for his whole career. He throws everything he has at Groves at the start of the 10th.

Murray's fans are on their feet as their man attacks.

This one is not done just yet, but Murray is going to need to finish this inside the distance as surely he is already too far behind on points.

Groves, after a dominant performance in round eight, has a quiet round, right up to the last five seconds. Murray is caught with a straight right at the end of the round and stumbles backwards. It looks like he touches a knee down on the canvas but referee Terry O'Connor says it is not a knockdown.

Incredible action in the eighth. Two brutes to the body and a swinging left hook sees Murray wince in pain. He goes for a walk in the ring, desperately trying to get some energy and some rest, but he does not have much respite before Groves attacks again.

Groves takes the round - and what a round it was. Murray looks shattered, but boy, he has got some chin. He survives and we continue.

Image source, Reuters