With the world titles he lost earlier this year now back in his possession, Anthony Joshua is already looking forward to a big 2020. While his opponent may not have been in peak fighting condition for their bout in Saudi Arabia few could argue he was the superior fighter on the night.
Many hoped this would lead to meeting with one of the other big names in the division, with Joshua yet to face off against Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury. However, that won't be the case.
Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Joshua's next two bouts are all but set in stone. He will defend his title against Kubrat Pulev, with WBO contender Oleksandr Usyk next in line should he overcome that challenge.
That doesn't mean we won't see a mega fight in 2020. Speaking to BBC Radio 2 on Friday, Joshua said a meeting with Fury or Wilder has to happen next year.
I feel like it’s ‘Lord of the Rings’, the last ring, let’s get it on, let’s make history.
It has to happen in 2020, we’re in the same division, same era, if these guys want to make history, especially Wilder because he has the last belt.
We created history by becoming a two-time champion of the world and I feel like we can add to that legacy in 2020.
The two-time world champions then took to Twitter to drive home this point.
Let’s get Undisputed trending! That’s what I want & that’s what the people want..
I want it bad! I came to take over & not take part!— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) December 13, 2019
Joshua and Hearn have been accused of running scared of both Fury and Wilder in the past, but with those two set to meet in February, the winner could be looking at a huge scrap with the Englishman in the second half of the year.
