Anthony Joshua has told Wladimir Klitschko to forget a heavyweight title rematch with him and hang up his gloves.
This put paid to any boxing aficionado’s hopes of a re-enactment of the brilliant fight that saw the British-Nigerian knockout Klitschko in the 11th round.
The Ukrainian has a rematch clause he can trigger and get another shot at winning the IBF and WBO heavyweight titles but age does not favour him. The veteran boxer would be 42 by the time of the rematch.
Speaking at a fans’ Q&A, Joshua said, “If I was Wladimir I would fight again, the type of fight it was, he probably thinks he can beat me and he has nothing to lose.
“If I was in his position I would fight again but I’m not Wladimir and I do not know what he wants to do.
“But, if I was speaking to Wladimir, I would say, ‘mate, it was a phenomenal performance, you were very good, but you did not win. Leave on a high and let the other guys do what they’re doing.”
