The WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight champion struggled in the early rounds at Wembley Stadium as his Russian counterpart won the early rounds.
However, the undefeated British fighter turned it around as he opened a cut above Povetkin's right eye during the middle rounds.
Advert
Joshua then started to take control, a right hook followed by a left sent the veteran to the canvas and even though the Russian stumbled back onto his feet, Joshua landed several punches to end the fight shortly after.
Soon as the fight was over the attention turned to who the Watford native's next opponent would be.
Controversial boxer Tyson Fury called out Joshua on Twitter before then going onto block the 28-year-old.
Advert
Speaking on social media after the fight, Fury said: "Think it's now safe to say AJ and his team are a pack of shithouses and will rob the British boxing fans of Britian's biggest fight.
"They will never fight me ever! Way too slow and ponderous. Can't box eggs! Contact me when you grow a pair.
"I'm 27-0, 9 KO and the lineal heavyweight champion of the world! Can't say I blame Team Joshua."
Fury added: "It's safe to say now that they will never fight the Gypsy King. Never.
Advert
"They mentioned if it's not Wilder, it's Whyte. There's no mention of Tyson Fury, the lineal heavyweight champion of the world.
"It's alright fighting men 39 years old, half your size. Tonight, is pure evidence I'm fighting the best heavyweight out there in Deontay Wilder.
Joshua is not even close. "He's slow, methodical, ponderous at times. Powerful? Yes. But they all are. Very, very clear to see, avoid me at all costs. If I was Joshua, I would avoid me, I'd jab your head off. You're a bum. Can't box, jab your nut in. Easy night's work."
The Gypsy King will fight Deontay Wilder for the WBC belt on the 1st December in the United States with the favourite rumoured to be Joshua's next opponent.
Joshua's next fight is scheduled for the 13th April 2019 back at Wembley Stadium and Fury would undoubtedly create the biggest buzz for fight fans.
Advert
Talks of a fight with Wilder took place before Joshua was faced with forfeiting belts unless facing his mandatory challenger Povetkin.
A signed contract has been submitted to the American's camp, according to AJ's team, should he defeat Fury in their upcoming bout. Should that be the case and Joshua defeats Wilder, he would then hold all the belts. Dillian Whyte is another possible opponent for the champion.
Whyte and Joshua are bitter rivals and fought back in 2015 when the latter was victorious, after his win over Povetkin at the weekend Joshua said: "All I want to fight is serious challengers."
Adding: "If Dillian Whyte wants to fight here, he is also more than welcome."
Advert
Joshua posted a poll on Twitter yesterday afternoon asking fans to cast their votes between Wilder, Fury and Whyte for his next fight.
After a massive 473,579 votes, Wilder won the majority with 53%, Fury gained 42% while Whyte got a mire 5%.
Sky Bet latest odds:
Dillian Whyte 10/11
Deontay Wilder 2/1
Tyson Fury 4/1
