Skip to content

Anthony Joshua will consider a list of new challengers after defending his IBF title

Anthony Joshua, Joseph Parker

After Anthony Joshua knocked out Dominic Breazeale to retain his world title, we pick out five other possible challengers for the IBF heavyweight champion.

The unbeaten 26-year-old made a successful first defence of his belt, stopping the brave American with a big left hand in the seventh round at The O2.

But a number of rivals have already called out Joshua, who is expected to return to the ring in November. Here are five possible foes for the IBF champion...

Joshua defends IBF title
Joshua defends IBF title

He produced a devastating seventh round stoppage.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Anthony Joshua reflects on his victory over Dominic Breazeale to retain his IBF Heavyweight title

Joseph Parker

JOSEPH PARKER
Image: Joseph Parker defeated Carlos Takam on points in a final eliminator for IBF title

The New Zealand fighter is the mandatory challenger for Joshua's IBF title and promoter Eddie Hearn admitted he is the early front runner to face Joshua next.

A potential fight between Joshua and Parker, two unbeaten big punchers, would create plenty of excitement and the 24-year-old tweeted that he 'cannot wait' for his world title shot.

Parker is preparing for a warm-up fight against Solomon Haumono next month and could be heading to Britain before the end of the year.

David Haye

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

David Haye says he sees nothing from Anthony Joshua that could possibly defeat him in the ring

Haye was ringside working for Sky Sports and insisted he drew confidence from studying Joshua's latest stoppage victory. 

Also See:

The 35-year-old, a former WBA heavyweight champion, firmly believes he will dish out a humbling defeat to the younger man.

I don't believe he's anywhere near as fast as I am. I could see every shot coming.
David Haye

Haye told Sky Sports: "The more I've watched him, the more confident I've got. He's looked better winning his fights in style but the way he's won them, I don't believe it's anywhere near enough to beat me in any way, shape or form.

"I don't believe he's anywhere near as fast as I am. I could see every shot coming."

But Haye could firstly target a different all-British battle against Tony Bellew, who ignited a war of words after winning the WBC cruiserweight title last month.

Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder is the current WBC world heavyweight champ
Image: Deontay Wilder wants to battle Joshua in America

The American also voiced his desire for a showdown on social media, calling for Joshua to mark his US debut with a possible unification clash.

Joshua has signed a lucrative deal with 'Showtime', a powerful television network in the States, and Wilder is ready to negotiate a blockbuster bout, if he defends his WBC title against Chris Arreola in July. 

He tweeted: "Since the winter time you planned on @Tyson_Fury. Hey it's time to make your American debut @anthonyfjoshua.

"Eddie Hearn said sooner than later so let's make sooner NOW!"

David Price

REAL LIFE ROCKY STORY PROMOTION
GOODISON PARK,LIVERPOOL
PIC;LAWRENCE LUSTIG
HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST 
DAVID PRICE V VACLAJ PEJSAR
Image: David Price remains determined to challenge for a world title

The Merseysider's career is finally moving in the right direction again after he ended a 10-month absence from the ring with a stoppage win in May.

Price's destructive rise was stalled by defeats against Tony Thompson and Erkan Teper, who have both since failed drug tests, and 17 stoppages in 20 wins is evidence of his destructive punch power.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

David Price says he is aiming for a potential fight this year with Anthony Joshua after being reinstated to the IBF's top 15

At 6'8" tall, Price would measure up well with Joshua and still holds a burning desire to test himself at world title level.

He told Sky Sports: "Realistically, it could happen this year if I get a move on and get a couple of fights, because that's important. I need to keep people talking about me and keep my momentum going."

Tyson Fury

Eddie Hearn, Tyson Fury
Image: Talks had already been held about a Joshua-Fury fight

An ankle injury forced Fury to postpone his scheduled July rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, supplying a fresh twist in the 27-year-old's turbulent career.

Fury insists the fight with Klitschko will be rescheduled, but as always, it is hard to predict what the future holds for the WBA and WBO champion, who continues to attract worrying headlines.

Hearn revealed that a possible November date had been discussed, although these plans will have to be put on hold after Fury's recent setback.

Repeats of Anthony Joshua vs Dominic Breazeale are on at 10am, 2pm and 8pm on Sunday, so book via your Sky remote or online here.

Around Sky