Anthony Joshua vs Denis Bakhtov preview: London 2012 gold medallist fighting for first career belt

Joshua is fighting for the vacant WBC International title

Anthony Joshua during a public work-out in London this week (GETTY IMAGES)

Anthony Joshua faces Kazakhstan's Denis Bakhtov at the o2 Arena tomorrow night as he battles for the first title of his fledgling professional career.

Joshua has powered through the ranks since turning pro, winning all of his previous eight bouts inside three rounds.

He faces the 34-year-old Bakhtov (38-9) for the WBC International Heavyweight title, the first bauble of his career, which winning will help to jump him up the rankings.

"The title I'm fighting is going to give me a stepping stone towards world title ratings," he said.

If, as expected, Joshua comes through the challenge of Bakhtov, he will take on Michael Sprott on the undercard of the Nathan Cleverly vs Tony Bellew rematch on 22 November.

Video: Joshua prepares to face Bakhtov at the o2

Tickets for Anthony Joshua’s fight on the 11 October at The O2 are available from www.stubhub.co.uk, Anthony's official ticket marketplace.