Anthony Joshua has heaped credit on Joseph Parker following his win by unanimous decision over the Kiwi in Cardiff on Sunday (NZT).
The Brit's win means he now moves one step closer to being the undisputed heavyweight world champion, needing just Deontay Wilder's WBC belt to add to his IBO, IBF, WBA and WBO titles.
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Despite immediately calling out Wilder and former champion Tyson Fury, Joshua's confident Parker will bounce back from the loss and they will meet again in the ring.
"Joseph won't give up now - he's still young, competitive and I think we will definitely see Joseph Parker again," he told reporters.
"Just on this evening, I was more focused, more disciplined and carried out the tactics and was the better man.
"Joseph played a massive part in this, his whole camp did and I'm honoured to share the ring with him.
"Credit to Parker, credit to Duco Events - they came, they stepped up and they tried, and they'll live to fight another day."
With the fight done and dusted, Joshua admitted he doesn't bear any ill will towards Parker - and made sure to check-in with his mother Sala right after the fight.
"I say my little prayer in the corner, I pray for success and I pray for his health and I pray he'll be safe once he leaves the ring," he said.
"I made sure I spoke to Parker's mum before she left and say, 'Pat your son on the back, he's done well and he'll be back' - and that goes a long way."
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn ruled out an immediate rematch but reiterated his fighter's comments, and believes Parker is a great example for the rest of the division.
"He's going to come again - he wasn't good enough tonight, but he's a very good fighter and he has a good team of people around him.
"He has a lot of support - he's a very nice, young man. We need people like Joseph Parker in the division; the more people that are active and good quality heavyweights, the better."
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