BY TIM PARSONS
Anthony Joshua is on high demand after his 7 round destruction of American Dominic Breazeale.
The huge 6ft 7 inch American boxer brought a spotless 17 record, with 15 KO’s. He was therefore expected to put up the resistance he did.
After shaking off an early threat by Joshua to blow him out in the second round, Breazeale, put a fight for another five rounds. Joshua eventually smashed him to the canvas, after being extended beyond three rounds, only for the second time.
Breazeale, at least did much better than the other pretender, Charles Martin, who embarrassingly handed his IBF belt to Anthony Joshua after just two rounds at the same 02 venue. Joshua’s high demand has already led WBC champion, Deontey Wilder, to call for Joshua to make his American debut against him.
IBF mandatory opponent, Joseph Parker, has also called for Joshua to name a date for their next fight. Parker himself is unbeaten, and also powerful. He poses a bigger threat against Joshua than Breazeale did.
Joshua in the meantime has assured fans that he wants the big fights, and will pursue them at the right time.
Wilder, Haye, and Fury, are all generally perceived to be the ultimate test for big Josh, though he must be allowed to mature and develop before facing the best the division has to offer.
So far, has been matched sensibly against better experienced opponents than many boxers faced at this stage of his career. Former WBA champion, David Haye, told Sky Sports after the fight that he has grown confident in his belief that he will beat Joshua whenever they meet.
Haye may be confident, but only an actual fight can prove anything concrete. Haye v Joshua, may well be on the cards for 2017, as well as other big fights like Joshua v Fury. Tyson Fury has a doping allegation to first answer before his future in the sport can even be certain at this stage.
The high demand for Joshua will continue for as long as he continues delivering explosive results like these.