Anthony Joshua has left the door open for a potential fight with Deontay Wilder despite the American's shock defeat to Joseph Parker.
Wilder and Joshua both fought on the Day of Reckoning card in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
The plan was for the two former heavyweight champions to come through their respective fights against Parker and Otto Wallin, setting up the possibility of facing each other in a potential world title eliminator.
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But those plans were thrown into doubt when Parker pulled off a comprehensive points victory over Wilder.
Joshua kept up his end of the deal, however, stopping Wallin after five rounds to continue his renaissance in 2023.
When asked about Wilder's defeat following his victory over Wallin, Joshua told TNT Sports: "I heard he lost, so what? He'll come back. But it shows that its fine margins in this business.
"No one is running, ducking from anyone. I need to focus on this man. But everything Deontay said about me, I could rip him apart right now.
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"I'm going to take the higher ground. I hope he comes back."
Wilder hinted he could retire following his defeat to Parker rather than continue his professional career.
"We'll see what happens, we still have a little bit left, but I did a great job managing my money," said Wilder.
"I'm a happy fighter. I'll be back, and if not, then it's been a pleasure. I don't know [if I still have the same fire I used to], a lot has calmed me down.
"I've been wearing this smile all week long and I'mma still wear it. Nothing can stop me on that."
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However, Joshua believes the former WBC heavyweight champion could still make a comeback.
"Look at [Daniel] Dubois this evening, he's come back,” added Joshua, referencing Dubois' victory over Jarrell Miller earlier in the night.
"You can do anything, don't give up. If he wants he can come back and he can fight another day, it's up to him.
"I'm sure everyone wants to see that fight right? Or do they want to see me fight."
Topics: Boxing, Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua
Rory O'Callaghan