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Joshua vs Parker: Anthony Joshua is focused on Joseph Parker but Deontay Wilder fight is inevitable, says Eddie Hearn

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Deontay Wilder called for unification clash with Anthony Joshua at the weekend

Anthony Joshua is fully focused on Joseph Parker, but his desire for a future fight with Deontay Wilder should not be doubted, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

The British heavyweight star is preparing to defend his WBA 'super' and IBF titles against WBO champion Parker on March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and Wilder is expected to be ringside in Cardiff after retaining his WBC belt with a dramatic stoppage of Luis Ortiz last weekend.

Joshua vs Parker on Box Office
Joshua vs Parker on Box Office

Sky Sports Box Office will show the heavyweight unification from Cardiff, on Saturday, March 31.

In his post-fight interview, Wilder again questioned whether Joshua was willing to face him, insisting the top division needs "one champion, one face, one name".

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Wilder stopped Luis Ortiz in spectacular fashion in New York

Hearn gave the American credit after he overcame a torrid seventh round to stop Ortiz in the 10th, and says 'AJ' will inevitably target the last remaining title, provided that he overcomes Parker.

"Saturday was a great fight and Deontay showed plenty of heart," Hearn told Sky Sports. "He hardly won a round outside of the fifth and looked finished in the seventh. It was a great finish and a big night for him.

The fight with Anthony Joshua is inevitable, but AJ must win on March 31, and that is the only focus right now.
Eddie Hearn

"The fight with Anthony Joshua is inevitable, but AJ must win on March 31, and that is the only focus right now. I see the Joseph Parker fight as just as tough as the Wilder fight, so it would be foolish to look past him.

"You don't have to worry about AJ wanting fights like this - his track record speaks for itself. This is his second unification fight and it's his 21st fight. Others talk about unifications and 'one champ', but what are they actually doing about it?

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Deontay Wilder (PBC)
Image: Deontay Wilder is due to attend the Joshua-Parker fight in Cardiff

"We look forward to welcoming Deontay Wilder to Cardiff on March 31 for what will be a very special night."

Watch the Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker world heavyweight title unification fight, from Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on March 31, live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office.

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