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Boxing

14th Dec 2015

Anthony Joshua is already lining up a tasty heavyweight fight with this next opponent

Knock-out number 16?

SportsJOE

Anthony Joshua is certainly not letting the grass grow under his feet in the wake of his stunning knock-out victory over Dillian Whyte.

The 26-year-old claimed the British heavyweight title in the seven round thriller at the O2 Arena which finished like every single one of his 15 pro fights – with a devastating KO.

It was certainly Joshua’s toughest test yet but the 6ft 6in fighter came through it and the power punching fighter’s hype train keeps on rolling.

The exciting prospect is already turning his attentions to his next bout – and there are plenty of prime candidates.

The fight many fans want to see is Joshua taking on Tyson Fury in an all-British heavyweight world title fight – but the Olympic gold medalist believes this is one for the future.LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Anthony Joshua in action with Matt Skelton during their Heavyweight Contest fight at the Liverpool Echo Arena on July 12, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Paul Thomas/Getty Images)David Haye, who is set to make his comeback against Mark De Mori, has also been touted as a possible next opponent for the Watford native.

“I could fight Haye, people want me to fight Fury, but you can’t just come into professional boxing, show a little talent and be thrown in the deep end,” said Joshua in an interview with Sky Sports.

“I don’t need do-or-die type fights yet.”

“I need to build myself so that when I get to the top I have been in deep waters, done 12 rounds, been hurt and come back. That is how people become champions.”

The most likely next opponent for Joshua is former heavyweight world title challenger Dereck Chisora.

The 31-year-old, who has lost to Fury, Haye and Wladimir Klitschko, is seen as an ideal match-up for Joshua.

When asked about the possibility of facing the Londoner he said: “Why not? I need to be fighting people who are hungry and good enough but who I still have a good capability of beating.”

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