It didn’t take long for Anthony Joshua to move on following his victory over Joseph Parker on Saturday night in Cardiff.
Joshua beat the New Zealand heavyweight on points, going to the judges’ scorecards for the first time in professional career, after winning all 20 of his previous bouts by knockout. The fight against Parker failed to spark into life, and a stoppage never looked likely. The overly fussy referee didn’t help proceedings, often stepping between the two men just as they appeared set to trade blows on the inside.
However, even though the watching public weren’t treated to a vintage performance from Joshua, the British boxer will undoubtedly be pleased with his work on the night. He now holds every belt in the heavyweight division, expect the WBC-title – which is held by Deontay Wilder.
Joshua called out the American fighter following his victory, challenging him to put his belt on the line and step into the ring. “Wilder let’s go baby, let’s go,” he said on Sky Sports when asked who does he want to fight next.
“I’m not interested in coming to America. All these years, we’ve gone to the States, people have spent a lot of money following British boxers over there. [But] we can do it in London, Cardiff. We are staying right here. I want Wilder. Or [Tyson] Fury. Get him [Wilder] in the ring and I’ll knock him spark out.”
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, said he doubts whether Wilder genuinely wants to fight Joshua.
“Deontay talks the talk but he does not walk the walk. He boxes in great venues with nobody there.”
However, Wilder released a video message soon after the final bell in Cardiff, disputing any suggestion he doesn’t want to fight Joshua. You can watch Wilder here:
WBC Heavyweight World Champ @BronzeBomber’s message to @anthonyfjoshua is a simple one: “Let’s make the fight happen.” pic.twitter.com/QVL2cnvcYo
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) March 31, 2018
