It will be Kubrat Pulev next for Joshua if Klitschko retires, says Hearn

It will be Kubrat Pulev next for Joshua if Klitschko retires, says Hearn

Anthony Joshua, the recently crowned IBF/WBA heavyweight king, is arguably THE hottest fighter in the sport right now, yet his next fight will be decided by the man AJ beat in stunning fashion last month.

Wladimir Klitschko, the proud ex-champ who, despite losing in an heroic effort, raised his game to tremendous heights on April 29, has a rematch if he wants to take it. It is now up to the 41 year old: will he retire, or will he demand the rematch, maybe in October or November of this year? Joshua says he is happy to fight “Dr. Steel Hammer” a second time – and the entire boxing population wants to see a sequel, the April battle was so great – even in Germany.

Upon his throne: Anthony Joshua

Upon his throne: Anthony Joshua

A new king has made himself known to boxing and those beyond our doors. Joshua assured us that this day would come, even going in to wage war against a man who graces the list of the effective heavy weight boxing champions. 2017 is a year Joshua will always remember in this phase and those yet to come. It was the year he exhibited the components that has seen him hailed the division’s new king, promising to dominate the division with sheer devastation and tactical brilliance that those before him have inspired.

Joshua may vacate IBF belt if Pulev fight forced on him

Joshua may vacate IBF belt if Pulev fight forced on him

IBF/WBA heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua might be soon vacating his IBF title if the International Boxing Federation opts to order him to fight his mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev next. Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) has a lot of big money options available for his next title defense, one of them being a highly lucrative rematch with Wladimir Klitschko.

Ranking today’s top-10 heavyweights – now who’s top dog?

Ranking today's top-10 heavyweights – now who's top dog?

Together, heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko gave their sport, and their weight class in particular, a huge boost with their great action fight. With Tyson Fury out of action and with WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder not yet facing a genuine risk of an opponent while he has been champion, the April 29 fight was largely sees as the two best heavyweights facing one another.

Wladimir Klitschko – No Country for Old Men?

Wladimir Klitschko – No Country for Old Men?

Boxing fans, as we know, are never slow about coming forward. In fight terms, we are marauders who throw vicious punches with bad intentions and social media is the canvas that we dance upon. Since the moment that third man, David Fields, called a halt to the action between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko, fight fans have gone toe to toe. ‘Joshua is the new Ali …Joshua would have beaten Tyson …Joshua begins a new era’, with one BBC journalist stating that Joshua is ‘unquestionably the biggest star in boxing’. I always think it’s wise to question the ‘unquestionable’. I’m sure GGG, Pacquiao, Crawford, Canelo and even Mayweather (Touting a comeback) would have things to say on that matter. Deontay Wilder might feel justified in claiming that Joshua isn’t even the biggest star in the heavyweight division and, I suspect, the Bronze Bomber will be eager to prove that point sooner rather than later.

Anthony Joshua is “boxing’s biggest star;” who would you prefer to see him fight next: Klitschko, Wilder or Fury?

Anthony Joshua is “boxing's biggest star;” who would you prefer to see him fight next: Klitschko, Wilder or Fury?

Thanks to his quite thrilling, hugely impressive stoppage win over Wladimir Klitschko, two-belt holder Anthony Joshua is currently being showered with all manner of plaudits; most of them well deserved. The unbeaten heavyweight ruler has been called “boxing’s biggest star” by some, who claim AJ has taken the mantle of the sport’s biggest attraction from the one and only Floyd Mayweather.

Video: Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko – Post Fight Recap

YouTube video

This past Saturday night, in front of an electrified audience of 90,000+ at Wembley Stadium, IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua squared off against former world champion Wladimir Klitschko. In addition to Joshua’s IBF championship belt, the vacant WBA strap was also up for grabs in this highly anticipated heavyweight showdown.

Left-Hook Lounge Mailbag: Joshua/Klitschko, Canelo/Chavez Jr., & The Heavyweight Division!

Left-Hook Lounge Mailbag: Joshua/Klitschko, Canelo/Chavez Jr., & The Heavyweight Division!

Raymond H. (London, UK): As a HUGE Joshua fan, I was elated to see him actually pull the victory out last Saturday! How did you rate his overall performance against Klitschko? And how do you see a potential rematch going?

Vito W. (ESB): Going into the showdown I had a laundry list of questions surrounding both men. On the heels of everything we saw take place up until the final bell, I think it’s safe to say that many questions raised are now questions answered; but not quite all. I think we first have to start by congratulating both men on an amazing effort. Secondly, I think we have to give thanks to both men for actually putting it all on the line and agreeing to face one another in an era of the sport where men find more reasons why they shouldn’t square off than supportive reasons why they should (square off)! Final feedback from my angle includes both pluses and minuses for both men. Here’s a quick rundown of what they look like: