If 2017 was a big year for Anthony Joshua, 2018 will be even bigger.
The British champion, who added the WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight belts to his IBF title when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko in March, is expected to have at least two huge fights next year.
Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury have both been mentioned as potential opponents for the 28-year-old, while Eddie Hearn has revealed interest from Joseph Parker’s camp, too.
Not only would Joshua versus Fury appeal to a British audience but it would have the hallmarks of being a legendary contest. Fury, making a comeback after a lengthy exodus from the ring, against Joshua in a battle of the unbeaten heavyweights - it doesn’t get much better.
But right now, a contest against Wilder seems more likely for AJ following the American’s stunning win over Bermane Stiverne on Saturday night.
Wilder, the WBC champion, wasted no time calling Joshua out after his victory.
"I've been waiting on the fight for a long time, listen 'AJ', I declare war on you. Do you accept my challenge?,” Wilder said.
"I've been waiting for a long time. I know I'm the champion, I know I'm the best, are you up for the test?
"They are trying to give me a peasant in [Dillian] Whyte but I want the king Joshua.”
How can Joshua ignore that?
50 Cent wants to see Joshua v Wilder
One man who certainly wants to see Wilder and Joshua go head-to-head is rapper 50 Cent.
The American, real name Curtis Jackson, walked out with Wilder before his fight against Stiverne and reacted to the bout by hyping up Joshua versus Wilder on Instagram, even going as far as to call it "the biggest fight in boxing".
“This is gonna be the biggest fight in boxing right here, who you wit?,” Jackson wrote, along with a photo of the two fighters.
Rather hilariously, Jackson actually missed Wilder’s win over Stiverne. The musician was still returning to his sky box in the three minutes it took for the Bronze Bomber to knock his opponent out.
“Man I didn't even see the Damn fight,” Jackson wrote on Instagram. “I walked Deontay out then before I could get back to my sky box the fight was over. 👀🤦♂️I get off the elevator and see 😳this.”
No doubt Jackson will skip walking out duties when Wilder takes on Joshua.
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