Joseph Parker lays down the gauntlet to Anthony Joshua after hard-fought victory

New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker has earned himself an IBF world title shot after defeating Carlos Takam in his home city of Auckland.

The 24-year-old won by unanimous decision after a tough battle against his Cameroonian opponent, and a bout against Anthony Joshua could await if the undefeated Brit sees off Dominic Breazale in June. Almost immediately after the victory, he made it clear that he was already looking to the future. https://twitter.com/joeboxerparker/status/733988734551494656 After defeating Takam in the title eliminator, Parker's record stands at 19-0-0 with 16 knockouts. https://twitter.com/NextUKFight/status/733989715737743360 He is ranked number 12 in the heavyweight division by BoxRec, above Breazale and above Joshua's most recent opponent, Charles Martin. Takam was the first man to take him the distance since Sherman Williams in 2014, and the first ever to achieve the feat in a 12-round fight. Tyson Fury was among the first to congratulate the New Zealander, welcoming Parker to 'big time boxing'. https://twitter.com/Tyson_Fury/status/733989909917224960 Former IBF world featherweight champion Billy Dib also gave Parker his backing, and he is one of many in the boxing world and beyond who can't wait to see him take on Joshua. https://twitter.com/BillyDib/status/734014312323252224 https://twitter.com/DijaRyder/status/734002842286067712 https://twitter.com/A_Smith09/status/733989966242422786