Ant: Let's go again
ANTHONY JOSHUA has offered Wladimir Klitschko a rematch anywhere in the world – if the Ukrainian’s family allow him to fight.
Britain’s new king of the ring picked himself up off the canvas to stop Klitschko in the 11th round of Saturday’s sensational heavyweight clash.
Former champ Klitschko has a rematch clause he can trigger if he wants another shot at Joshua.
But the new IBF and WBA champion doesn’t think his rival’s fiancee Hayden Panettiere will let him.
“I think he will want to have a rematch because a fighter is the last one who knows when it is time to stop,” said Joshua, 27.
“But I think his team, his fiancee – and they normally wear the trousers – and his brother will advise him differently.
“I have the ultimate respect for him inside and outside of the ring. I wouldn’t mind fighting him
again if he wants the rematch. It’s up to him. I don’t mind as long as my trainer thinks it’s good to go, I’ll go.”
Joshua banked a whopping £15m for his breathtaking win.
And promoter Eddie Hearn warned the likes of Tyson Fury that Klitschko will head the queue to fight Joshua next.
“He will probably say he wants the rematch as any champion would,” said Hearn. “Whether he feels the same in a month’s time after reflection... we have no rush at all.
“We’re not going to be opening negotiations with any other fighter until we know what Wladimir Klitschko is going to do.
“He came here, so we may go to Germany. I always said if no one wants to see a rematch, it’s unlikely to happen. If people want to see it, it’s likely to happen.”
Joshua is now ready to dominate the heavyweight division for years, even though Klitschko has warned he has plenty of chinks in his armour.
The Ukrainian said: “How he will develop we will see. He is vulnerable, that is maybe something he will need to work on.
“He is today a success and unified champion. You have to respect it.”