Almost immediately after Carlos Takam left the ring, talk turned to who Anthony Joshua would fight next. Joshua's tenth round stoppage ensured his flawless record of 20 fights, 20 victories, 20 kos continues.
In the aftermath focus has naturally turned to his next match-up, with fight fans clamouring for a British face-off with 2015 fighter of the year, Tyson Fury.
Fury hasn't fought since defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. Nevertheless the 'gypsy king' has been active on social media, as he tends to be, touting a Joshua-Fury bout as the next 'stylish Ali vs mummy Forman.'
Joshua has responded today, tweeting at Furey to get himself in fight shape:
& @Tyson_Fury get fit you fat fuck
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) November 9, 2017
The back-and-forth has continued, with Fury posting a video message to Joshua, "the weighlifter", claiming he does not have to get fit to fight him:
Joshua also has other options, particularly a unification bout against either Joseph Parker, WBO champion or Deontay Wilder, WBC champion. Both of these fighters have spoken openly about fighting Joshua, although it appears Parker is yet to make a formal offer:
.@joeboxerparker Sips tea, continues to read tweets & refreshes email.. Still No Offer pic.twitter.com/micG0WdtuA
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) November 9, 2017
Last night Joshua also sent a message to Wilder. He followed that up with a tweet to him today, again hinting at the lack of an offer from his camp:
A little word on the @BronzeBomber fight. Ready & waiting for the offer 👉🏾 https://t.co/9dt7N5MwaS
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) November 9, 2017
The problem for Fury, and the reason that it's more likely Joshua faces Parker or Wilder next, is that Fury is still awaiting the results of an UK Anti-Doping hearing.
Fury is yet to face a charge from UK Anti-Doping in relation to the "presence of a prohibited substance." He later came out and cited difficulties with depression and cocaine.
For Fury to return he must attend a hearing. One had been scheduled for July but it was adjourned.
British Board of Control chairman Robert Smith told Sky Sports Fury's team need to arrange a hearing so he can return to boxing.
It's quite simple, Fury's legal team need to agree a date.
At the present time, as I am standing here now, it hasn't been agreed.
Although Fury disputes this:
Addressing the so called positive test, I didn't test positive Ukad said I had elevated levels, hence no ban!
I was told no case to answer 2— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) November 8, 2017
Whatever the outcome, it looks like fight fans will get to see a considerable jump in the quality of Joshua's opponent soon.
SEE ALSO: Anthony Joshua Sends Deontay Wilder A Message As Mouthwatering Fight Nudges Closer