Eddie Hearn Reveals Anthony Joshua's Next Three Opponents In 2018

Last night Anthony Joshua took his record to 20-0, after defeating challenger Carlos Takam in Cardiff.

The bout came to a somewhat controversial end, as the referee chose to put Takam out of his misery and to avoid any serious injury, stopping the fight in the tenth round.

As always, following the fight, everyone's ears were firmly awaiting something of interest to either come from AJ, promoter Eddie Hearn, or indeed for Tyson Fury on Twitter. Hearn eventually took the mic, revealing the next three potential opponents for the Brit.

AJ made it clear that he wanted to fight Deontay Wilder and for it to be in the UK. Hearn echoed his comments, saying it will happen.

"Deontay Wilder, he talks a lot but he's not really fighting anybody right now. Deontay Wilder against Anthony Joshua has to happen," he said in the ring.

He then turned his attention to Fury, as well as Joseph Parker, adding: "There's also a great heavyweight called Tyson Fury. We want to see him come back to the sport. Anthony Joshua wants to be in the real fights. I promise you and I promise the fans that he will give you the fights that you want.

"I promise you that! Deontay Wilder, Joseph Parker, Tyson Fury - those are the 2018 fights.

"Tonight was a mandatory. You fight that fight or you lose the belt. He worked so hard for that belt. Anthony Joshua has achieved so much.

"I want to thank everybody for coming out here in Cardiff. I don't think we should go abroad. I think we should stay right here.

"I think we should keep the British flag flying. That's what Anthony Joshua has done but I promise you he will fight anyone.

"And Deontay Wilder will be relieved of that belt in 2018."

Credit: PA

Despite saying what the fans wanted, the crowd was clearly hell-bent on wiping the smug smile off his face, continuing the onslaught of boos that are customary when he tries to say anything.

Prior to him speaking even Joshua encouraged the capacity crowd to make their feelings known, turning to them and saying "hey, everybody... booooooo."

He's a money-spinner for Hearn, so he can get away with it.

Topics: AJ, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Eddie Hearn

Mark McGowan

Mark is a journalist at LADbible, who joined in 2015 after a year as a freelance writer. In the past he blogged for independent football fan channel Redmen TV, after graduating from Staffordshire University with degrees in journalism and English literature. He has worked on campaigns such as UOKM8? and IIOC.