A NEW world star arrived while another bowed out last Saturday night.

In just his 16th professional fight, Anthony Joshua ripped the IBF heavyweight title from the waist of Charles Martin in front of a sold-out 02 Arena in London after stopping the American in the second round.

That same night, Hall of Fame bound Manny Pacquiao turned back the years in Las Vegas to best Timothy Bradley over 12 rounds – and win their trilogy 2-1 – before announcing his retirement.

Olympic gold medalist Joshua, 26, put in a measured and ultimately destructive display against Martin, 29, and ultimately proved too much for the travelling champion to handle.

Hardcore fans quite rightly voiced their disapproval about the IBF title situation prior to the fight. 

Martin defeated Vyacheslav Glazkov for the vacant belt – stripped from lineal king Tyson Fury – in January.

But fans should now be rejoicing about Joshua’s new found place amongst the best in the world.

Joshua’s debut show was dubbed Carpe Diem and that's exactly what Joshua and his team did last Saturday,  they should be applauded for it.

He will soon be filling Wembley Stadium and he won't even need to be in a blockbuster fight to make it happen, now that's special.

The prospect of mega fights against the likes of Fury, Deontay Wilder and David Haye is mouth-watering.

But Joshua is by no means invincible, the three fighters above will still fancy their chances despite the Watford fighter blitzing through every man he has faced.

The Joshua juggernaut excites me, even more so his vulnerabilities. That's what makes heavyweight boxing so captivating.

Joshua could transcend the sport into new heights – even greater than Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno and is on his way to becoming the country’s most famous sportsman.

For Pacquiao, his fame and adulation has turned to infamy in the last 12 months.

Irvine Times:

The Filipino great’s disappointing performance against Floyd Mayweather before his disgraceful comments about gay people were heavily criticised.

If it is for good, Pacquiao, 37, has made the right decision in retiring despite his impressive performance against Bradley.

He did not look like the ferocious, almost unbeatable, Pacquiao of old when he fought Mayweather, quite possibly the biggest let-down in boxing history.

His legacy in the square fighter will stand the test of time, from his epic battles with Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales to blockbuster clashes with Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

Those memories will outweigh the most recent controversy in the minds of many boxing fans.

With Pacquiao and Mayweather gone, the box office throne is there for the taking and will most likely be occupied by Saul Alvarez or Gennady Golovkin.

But don't be surprised if Manny and Floyd have a quiet word with each other about lacing up the gloves one more time.