Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime
Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Anthony Joshua retained both his IBF and WBA Heavyweight title belts against Carlos Takam (35-3-1, 27 KOs) with a 10th-round stoppage.
Joshua displayed a different style of fighting on Saturday–typically Joshua fights at a safe range but instead he fought a majority of the fight on the inside continually landing crafty combinations. Joshua opened up a cut over Takam’s left eye early in the fight and sent him to the canvas in Round 4.
As the fight wore on, Joshua opened another cut over Takam’s left eye, but Takam showed resilience and never stopped pressing forward. Though Takam had some success in the middle rounds, it wasn’t enough to discourage the champion. After landing several devastating punches and a stunning left-right combo, referee Phil Edwards stepped in and stopped the fight at 1:34.
Joshua’s performance was far from perfect–he left himself open to counter punches and his conditioning could have been better. The 28-year-old Joshua has room for improvement as he moves forward to face stiffer opposition.
After a controversial stoppage, but an overall dominate display, what’s next for the Joshua? Who should the undefeated champion face?
Deontay Wilder
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This is the fight boxing fans want to see–the WBC Champion Deontay Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) is the most profitable opponent for Anthony Joshua as he looks to become the unified world champion.
There has already been a lot of trash talk between these two, which would make for a very intriguing fight.
Another aspect that would make this fight such a draw is the fact that both men have one-punch knockout power.
Joseph Parker
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Though the casual fan may not know who the New Zealander, Joseph Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) is, he has the style that could pose a threat to Anthony Joshua.
Joseph Parker is the WBO champion–though he lacks the punching power, he posses solid fundamentals and an impeccable jab which could likely present a problem for Joshua.
Parker is young and could improve in recent months but regardless of when or if this fight takes place, he would still be a heavy underdog.
Tyson Fury
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Tyson Fury (25-0, 18 KOs) has been talking about making a 2018 comeback recently but is looking to take a tune-up fight before stepping in the ring with Anthony Joshua.
It isn’t likely that Fury vs. Joshua will happen next, but boxing fans are keeping their fingers crossed that Fury will get back on track to make this fight happen.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, recently stated that Joshua vs. Fury would be the biggest fight in British boxing history.
Boxing fans are desperate for this fight, we all want to know who really is the best Heavyweight in the world.
