Wladimir Klitschko rematch, Deontay Wilder among fights to make for Anthony Joshua
The unbeaten British champ has a slew of opponents to consider for his next bout
Just days removed from his breakthrough knockout victory over former champion Wladimir Klitschko in London, unbeaten Anthony Joshua has all the makings to become the next great star in the sport.
But Joshua, (19-0, 19 KOs) who got off the deck in Round 6 to rally past Klitschko via 11th-round TKO, will certainly need to keep winning to fulfill his great promise. And a quick glance at the rejuvenated division reveals a number of marketable and difficult fights ahead of him, making a heavyweight renaissance suddenly feel possible.
Let's take a look at potential options for Joshua, the 6-foot-6 unified WBA and IBF champion, as well as just how likely they are for the 27-year-old as he looks to build on the success of Saturday's spectacular win.
Rematch with Wladimir Klitschko (64-5, 53 KOs)
Both boxers signed a two-fight deal ahead of their crossroads superfight, which took place in front of 90,000 passionate fans at Wembley Stadium. What that means is a second bout is all but guaranteed should Klitschko decide to go in that direction. At 41, Klitschko appeared rejuvenated following a 17-month layoff and was willing to fight more courageously than we've ever seen. Klitschko was also leading on one scorecard and trailing ever so slightly on two others before the stoppage. But despite the fact that Klitschko had as much success in boxing with Joshua as he did in dropping him in Round 6, meaning a second victory would offer Joshua a chance to quiet critics, he would stand to gain even more from a commercial standpoint should they fight again. Considering how much their first fight delivered above expectations, a rematch would be just as big of an event, which offers another giant payday for Joshua and a second chance to benefit marketing wise from Klitschko's rub. Chances: Most likely.
Tyson Fury (25-0, 18 KOs)
Joshua used his post-fight time on the microphone to call out Fury, the 28-year-old former champion, teasing the idea of putting just as many fans inside Wembley Stadium. The fight would the biggest in British history, pitting the division's rising king against the headline-grabbing Fury in a battle of unbeatens. And while the Klitschko fight offered Joshua a true passing-of-the-torch opportunity, a Fury fight would be just as important considering Fury remains the lineal champion for having upset Klitschko in 2015. The 6-foot-9 Fury gave up his belts last October to focus on mental health and substance abuse issues and hasn't fought since. He has returned to training, however, and has routinely posted social media videos sending trash talk Joshua's way. Seeing Joshua forced to contend with the mental battle that Fury presents during the lead-up to their fight would be just as interesting as what played out inside the ring. Chances: Pretty decent.
Deontay Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs)
This one has dollar signs written all over it should the two unbeaten titleholders match their power inside the ring. But despite both fighters showing public interest, it's a fight that could benefit from a bit more marinating, especially within the United States where both of their brand names are still developing. This is the kind of fight that should be filing up an American football stadium, and to get there, a bit more time is needed. There's an equal amount of danger in waiting too long, of course, because both Joshua and the 6-foot-7 Wilder, who holds the WBC title, are still developing (and nothing is ever guaranteed inside the ring, particularly at heavyweight). But despite how raw he has been at times, Wilder, 31, just might offer more danger to Joshua's plan to conquer the world than any other fighter because of that explosive right hand. Chances: Not yet.
Joseph Parker (22-0, 18 KOs)
At just 25, Parker is also a work in progress despite being in possession of the WBO title that he won by majority decision from Andy Ruiz Jr. in December. What we know is that the native of New Zealand can punch and has looked fairly strong in dispatching a mix of aging and little known names on the way up. But he hasn't looked overly spectacular as of yet, which could make him more attractive to Joshua, should unifying titles become his primary focus. Still, Parker doesn't possess much notoriety or a large fan base and must first defend his title against Razvan Cojanu on May 6. Chances: Not likely, but not impossible.
Luis Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs)
Despite the fact that Ortiz is the mandatory for Joshua's newly acquired WBA belt, there are plenty of reasons for him to not appear high up on Joshua's list. Not only is the southpaw incredibly dangerous, which has made it difficult for him to attract top opponents, he appeared to leave behind Joshua's promoter, Matchroom Sport, after a two-fight run earlier this year to sign with adviser Al Haymon of the PBC. It's very possible that Ortiz is the most talented heavyweight in the world thanks to his mix of devastating power and Cuban amateur pedigree. It's just as possible that the 38-year old may not get the chance to prove that. Should Joshua decide to face a mandatory opponent for one of his two belts, going in the direction of the next name on this list would be a less dangerous option. As would Joshua possibly considering giving up the belt in order to pursue a money fight against a big name. Chances: Almost none.
Kubrat Pulev (25-1, 13 KOs)
The brawling Bulgarian gave it everything he had in a spectacular 2014 knockout loss to Klitschko, in which he was knocked down four times before being finished in Round 5. Pulev, 35, fought recklessly and aggressively against Klitschko, in a way other opponents were unwilling to in order to give himself the best chance to win. But he has bounced back nicely since then, recording five straight defeats to make him the top contender for Joshua's IBF title. At nearly 6-foot-5, Pulev has good size to match up with Joshua and offers him an attractive record on paper should Joshua have trouble securing a bigger fight and decide to stay busy. Chances: Decent.
Tony Bellew (29-2-1, 19 KOs)
An exciting 11th-round knockout in March of countryman and former titleholder David Haye effectively knocked "The Hayemaker" off of this list. And while Bellew, 34, can talk a good game and make for fun pre-fight fodder should Joshua look for a fun domestic partner, the blown-up cruiserweight (and former blown-up light heavyweight) wouldn't possess all that much of a physical challenge. He does't appear to be high up in the running, either. Not only did Bellew rush the ring to celebrate with Joshua after Saturday's fight, hailing him the best heavyweight in the world, he engaged in a heated public exchange with Wilder at Friday's weigh-in that could trigger a future meeting between the two. Chances: Poor.
















