26 Jun 2016

Parker likely to be Joshua's next opponent

12:42 pm on 26 June 2016

Britain's Anthony Joshua has retained his IBF heavyweight boxing crown and could now put it on the line against New Zealand's Joseph Parker.

Anthony Joshua, 2014.

Anthony Joshua, 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Joshua knocked out American Dominic Breazeale in the seventh round in London to hold onto the belt.

Unbeaten Joshua dominated from the start but the 30-year-old Breazeale proved a durable opponent, absorbing some thunderous blows from the 2012 Olympic champion before succumbing.

Breazeale hit the canvas twice in the seventh round.

Joshua took his record to 17-0, all by knockout.

He was asked about his next opponent after the fight and he mentioned WBC world champion Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Hughie Fury and his IBF mandatory Parker.

Joseph Parker, Apia, Samoa 23 January

Photo: PHOTOSPORT / Andrew Cornaga

Talking about Wilder, Joshua says: "An inspirational person, he waited 30 fights and I'm following suit. One day we will get to experience what each other's about.

He said: "I was looking at the Furys (Tyson or Hughie), either one of them, for the winter (later this year) but unfortunately (Tyson) Fury got injured.

"In the meantime we'll look at people like Joseph Parker. But now it's time to get some rest and recharge my batteries."

However Parker must first get past Solomon Haumono, who he meets in Christchurch next month.