Joshua set for £200m unification fight with Tyson Fury next year after last night's victory

WORLD heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Olufemi Oluwaseni Joshua is now planning to take on World Boxing Council (WBC) holder Tyson Fury next year in a staggering £200m clash after his successful defence of his four belts last night.

Last night at the SSE Arena at Wembley Stadium, Joshua knocked out Bulgarian challenger Kubrat Pulev in the ninth round to retain his World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) titles. Joshua downed his Bulgarian opponent three times before finally delivering the finishing blow in the ninth round.

With this fight now out of the way, a massive unification bout is anticipated next year to produce an undisputed champion who will hold all five belts. Boxing promoters are said to be planning a fight in which there would be 50-50 split of a £200m purse between Joshua and Fury in the Middle East.

After his victory, Joshua said: “Less talk, more action. I hope everyone was satisfied tonight. For me, I stuck to what I know best, boxing, you ask the crowd what they want to see.

“I’m up for anyone, look at my resume. Whoever has got the belt, I want the belt. If that is Tyson Fury, let it be."

Joshua, 31, has not fought at home since he beat Alexander Povetkin in 2018 and his latest victory in the UK has been greeted with widespread cheers. Also, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, where Joshua's parents are from has sent his congratulations to Joshua.

Femi Adesina, President Buhari's spokesman, said: "By retaining his IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, Joshua has given boxing lovers round the world and particularly in Nigeria, something to cheer. Anthony Joshua as a humble, well brought up young man, who will still go places.”

President Buhari also wished Joshua all the best in his dream fight against Tyson Fury, saying he has the prayers and goodwill of Nigerians going with him. After last night's fight, Fury said he would knock Joshua out in just three rounds when their unification bout takes place.