JOSEPH PARKER is the bookmakers’ favourite to fight IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua next.
The unbeaten New Zealander became Joshua’s mandatory last month when he outpointed Carlos Takam in a final eliminator.
Joshua successfully defended his title for the first time on Saturday when he bludgeoned Dominic Breazeale inside seven rounds, and his promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his desire to make a fight with Parker in November.
Let’s get it on @anthonyfjoshua#TEAMPARKER
— Joseph Parker (@joeboxerparker) June 26, 2016
Parker must first move past unfancied Solomon Haumono on July 21, while Joshua is expected to take a short break from boxing and travel to Rio to support the GB Boxing Olympians.
Parker is 5/4 with Betway to be Joshua’s next opponent. David Price and WBC champion Deontay Wilder are second in the running, both at 5/1. Price was recently put back into the IBF’s top 15, making him eligible as an opponent for Joshua.
Wilder, meanwhile, analysed Joshua’s demolition of Breazeale for American broadcaster Showtime, and swiftly called the Londoner out after the contest.
Division leader Tyson Fury is a long 33/1 to fight ‘AJ’ next, due to the nasty ankle injury he recently picked up, which has pushed his rematch with Wladimir Klitschko back to October.
Full odds:
| Joseph Parker | 5/4 |
| David Price | 5/1 |
| Deontay Wilder | 5/1 |
| Luis Ortiz | 10/1 |
| David Haye | 20/1 |
| Tyson Fury | 33/1 |
