Wednesday 4 May 2016 12:37, UK
Dominic Breazeale says he would welcome a fight with Anthony Joshua after being named as a potential challenger to Britain's latest world heavyweight champion.
Joshua (16-0-KO16) seized the IBF title on April 9 when he demolished Charles Martin inside two rounds at The O2, and promoter Eddie Hearn subsequently named Breazeale, Bermane Stiverne and Eric Molina as the men in the running to face the Londoner on June 25.
Breazeale (17-0-KO15) is the only unbeaten fighter among the trio, although he was forced to haul himself off the canvas to stop Amir Mansour at the end of the fifth round of his latest bout in January.
In an interview reported on boxingnews24.com, the Californian said of the prospect of travelling to The O2: "Hey Anthony Joshua, let's do this. This a great fight for the heavyweight division and the fans.
I'm sure Joshua felt the same way when he first found out he was going to fight Martin for the title. The only difference is that I am not going to lay down.
"We are both 2012 Olympians, undefeated, and pack a punch. The United States of America versus Great Britain. I want to go back to London and finish what I didn't in 2012. Instead of the gold medal, I want the IBF title, and I guarantee you I'm bringing it back to the United States where it belongs.
"When I first heard that I was possibly going to fight Joshua for the title I was extremely excited. I have been thinking about this daily.
"This is an opportunity that every fighter dreams and hopes of. I'm sure Joshua felt the same way when he first found out he was going to fight Martin for the title. The only difference is that I am not going to lay down like Charles did and hand the belt over."
Of the alternatives, Stiverne bounced back from losing the WBC title to Deontay Wilder by outpointing Derric Rossy in November 2015, while Molina has stopped two opponents since also losing to Wilder.
