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Anthony Joshua: 'Different viewership' the reason for not winning SPOTY

Despite being the favourite to win SPOTY, Anthony Joshua finished in fourth place. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Anthony Joshua believes he didn't finish in the top three at BBC Sports Personality of the Year because of his different TV audience.

Joshua, who last fought on Oct. 28 beating Carlos Takam at the Principality Stadium, finished fourth in the annual event despite being the favourite to win the vote.

"I didn't even come top three. That's not good enough, I want to win it," Joshua said. "My viewership is completely different -- I'm on Sky.

"I don't do what I do to win Sports Personality. But if I win it one day, that'll be good.

"You have to pull yourself back from wanting to win these things and focus on boxing because I'm an athlete and winning my fights is more important than anything."

The current WBA and IBF heavyweight champion is still waiting for his next fight date to be announced. However, promoter Eddie Hearn told ESPN they are closing in on an announcement for a future fight with Joseph Parker.

"We're in good shape [with negotiations about Joshua vs. Parker]," Hearn said. "It's not done yet. Hopefully in early January we will have a positive announcement."