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'i'm interested right now'

Wladimir Klitschko calls for instant Anthony Joshua rematch after losing classic at Wembley

Ukrainian was stopped in 11th round against Brit champ, and says there is another bout mentioned in the contract

WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO has called for an instant Anthony Joshua rematch after losing the boxing classic at Wembley last night.

The big Ukrainian was floored in the 11th round against the Brit, and has admitted he is "interested" in taking on the now IBF, WBA and IBO champ immediately.

Wladimir Klitschko said after the fight that he is open to a rematch against Anthony Joshua
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Wladimir Klitschko said after the fight that he is open to a rematch against Anthony Joshua


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And it is not just trash-talk from the 41-year-old two time world champion, as he says there is another bout mentioned in the contract.

Klitschko told Sky Sports afterwards: "Of course, we have it in the contract, right now I'm interested.

"I need to analyse what the heck happened. I wish I could raise my hand, instead of somebody who didn't make it back to back.

Joshua toppled Klitschko in the 11th round of an epic bout - and we could see it all over again
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Joshua toppled Klitschko in the 11th round of an epic bout - and we could see it all over againCredit: Getty Images

"But congratulations to Anthony, he got up, he fought back, and he won the titles."

Klitschko was floored three times by AJ during the beguiling fight in front of a record 90,000 crowd - while himself flooring his opponent in round six.

But he could not finish Joshua off with the telling blows, unlike the younger man who had previously never got past round seven in any of his 18 previous successful fights.

It was one of the most enthralling fights in living memory
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It was one of the most enthralling fights in living memory in front of a record crowd

Joshua himself said he would "fight anyone" next when speaking afterwards - and said he was open to meeting Klitschko again.

He said: "I don't mind fighting him again, if he wants the rematch. Big respect to Wladimir for challenging the young lions of the division.

Its unclear whether Wladimir Klitschko will fight again, but he was in fantastic shape tonight
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Its unclear whether Wladimir Klitschko will fight again, but he was in fantastic shape last nightCredit: PA:Press Association
Joshua called out Tyson Fury as the two have traded blows on social media
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Joshua called out Tyson Fury as the two have traded blows on social media

"It's up to him, I don't mind. As long as Rob [McCracken, Joshua's trainer] thinks it is good I'm good to go."

But in the ring afterwards, he did call out rival Tyson Fury, who beat Klitschko in Germany two years ago and has traded blows with AJ on Twitter recently.

Wladimir Klitschko tasted the monumental power Anthony Joshua possesses with a thundering knockdown
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Wladimir Klitschko tasted the monumental power Anthony Joshua possesses with a thundering knockdownCredit: AP:Associated Press

He said: "Fury, Tyson Fury, where you at baby?

"Come on, is that what you want to see? I enjoy fighting, I love fighting. Tyson Fury, I know he's been talking a lot and he wants to come back and compete.

Bronze Bomber Deontay Wilder has won all of his 38 bouts and also wants to fight AJ
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Bronze Bomber Deontay Wilder has won all of his 38 bouts and also wants to fight AJCredit: Getty Images

"I want to give 90,000 people the chance to watch another night of boxing. I just want to fight everyone I'm really enjoying this right now."

Meanwhile, American WBC Champ Deontay Wilder, who was ringside at Wembley, says he wants a London “mega fight” against Joshua to announce himself as a heavyweight superstar.

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