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'Paid in casino chips'

Anthony Joshua trying to lure Wladimir Klitschko into mega-money Las Vegas rematch after Wembley blockbuster

Heavyweight champ could also defend his IBF title against Kubrat Pulev if Klitchsko decides to hang up his gloves

Anthony Joshua

ANTHONY JOSHUA is hopeful of landing a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko and taking the fight to the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Joshua defeated Klitschko in April after climbing off the canvas to stop the Ukrainian in the 11th round in what has been called the most exciting heavyweight fight in recent years.

 Anthony Joshua hammered his way to a victory against Wladimir Klitschko in April
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Anthony Joshua hammered his way to a victory against Wladimir Klitschko in AprilCredit: Getty Images
 Anthony Joshua holds the IBF, IBO and WBO belts after his stunning win against Wladimir Klitschko
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Anthony Joshua holds the IBF, IBO and WBO belts after his stunning win against Wladimir KlitschkoCredit: Reuters

Joshua says Klitschko still needs some persuading to take the rematch.

Speaking to , the Watford-born fighter said: "The last fight put the expectations on a pedestal but it was entertainment.

"We can’t fight too many fights like that but regarding who I’m fighting, I’ve got two options.

"One is a rematch with Klitschko, and we’re waiting to see, and we’re trying to dangle a few carrots to make him bite and spark is interest again.

"The man has achieved great things throughout his career so it takes a lot for him to get motivated and interested again."

Joshua said the second option is to defend his IBF title against mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev if Klitchsko decides to hang up his gloves.

 Wladimir Klitschko still needs some convincing over a rematch according to Anthony Joshua
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Wladimir Klitschko still needs some convincing over a rematch according to Anthony JoshuaCredit: PA:Press Association
 Anthony Joshua could take on mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev
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Anthony Joshua could take on mandatory challenger Kubrat PulevCredit: Getty Images
 The boxing world is keeping a close eye on who will be Anthony Joshua's next opponent
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The boxing world is keeping a close eye on who will be Anthony Joshua's next opponentCredit: Splash News

He added: "When you have a belt, there’s mandatory positions you have to face and one of them is Kubrat Pulev, a very talented Bulgarian fighter.

"If I don’t fight Klitschko, this is the other guy I’ll have to compete with in the future."

Following Frank Buglioni's win over Ricky Summers on Saturday night, Eddie Hearn revealed there should be an announcement of Joshua's next fight "in the next three to four weeks", and hinted that Nigeria, Las Vegas or Cardiff could be the potential venue.

And Joshua made it no secret of his preferred destination: "I like the sound of Vegas! I’m ready, I’m ready. I want to be paid all in casino chips, all on red."

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