Joseph Parker has barely had time to celebrate his first defence of the WBO heavyweight title, yet talk has already shifted to what, and more importantly who, is next.
The Kiwi earned a unanimous points decision win over Romanian giant Razvan Cojanu on Saturday night to improve his career record to 23 wins, zero losses.
The 25-year-old has a long list of contenders chomping at the bit to be next in line for a championship shot, including brash British slugger Tony Bellew.
The Evertonian secured the biggest win of his career in March when he stopped former heavyweight champion David Haye in the 11th round - although his countryman suffered a raptured Achilles tendon in the sixth round, Bellow was matching Haye blow for blow throughout the contest.
Bellew believes that win separates him from Parker, rubbishing the Kiwis' undefeated record whilst also taking a shot at WBC champion Deontay Wilder in the process.
"He's had his whole career campaigning at heavyweight," said Bellew.
"I've had one fight at heavyweight, and my whole career at heavyweight is better than Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker's career put together.
"These two guys wouldn't even mutter the name David Haye, they don't even whisper it in the dark because they're scared he might come out. I took on the monster, I defeated the monster against all the odds, believe it or not."
'The Bomber' has been identified by Parker's team as an ideal opponent to introduce their charge to the British boxing market. Trainer Kevin Barry told Newshub that the 30-year-old is right at the top of their hit-list.
"One fight that is being talked up in the boxing media at the moment is Tony Bellew," said Barry.
"I like the style for Joe - he's a guy that's very popular in the UK with a large fanbase and we consider this a great introduction for Joe to the UK boxing media, fans and public.
"The Bellew fight, we see as, with the right result, will lead Joe into a fight with Joshua."
For his part, the charismatic Englishman sees Parker as the easiest route to a heavyweight title and has warned the Kiwi of what awaits him in the UK, potentially in front of his home crowd at Everton's Goodison Park.
"I like the sound of world heavyweight champion, it's got a nice ring to it," Bellew proclaimed.
"Joseph Parker, I will beat him. Boy, you keep on saying my name, [because] if I put my name, and sign that contract, your title reign is over, it's as simple as that.
"I'm the better boxer than him, I'm slicker than him, I'm cleverer than him, me footwork is far better than his."
Bellew added: "You better show up well-prepared because I have shown what I do to fighters who don't show up well-prepared. I deal them a bad hand and it could just be the end of him so choose carefully boy, and think about what you're doing when you sign that contract."
Newshub.
