Anthony Joshua will make a competitive comeback in December after suffering back-to-back losses to the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, as he embarks on the arduous journey for a shot at the world championship. The British-Nigerian heavyweight has to reestablish his world title credentials after consecutive losses to Usyk, the champion.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has outlined a strategy that includes a fight in the UK in December and another match against Dillian Whyte the following year.
Since Joshua eliminated the Brit in 2015, Whyte is now eager for a rematch. Whyte was also knocked out by Tyson Fury in that bout, which took place in April.
Deontay Wilder, a former heavyweight champion, also wants to fight Joshua, but promoter Eddie Hearn claimed the British boxer will first face a lesser-ranked opponent.
Hearn told the Daily Mail, “It’s not confirmed, but that’s where everyone’s minds are at. We’re not booking a venue, but the conversations – as recently as yesterday – was December for his return. I don’t want to start mentioning names, but it’s a top 15 fight.” Joshua will be able to build on what he learns in camp and express himself against a credible opponent. Then he may train to be ready to compete for the heavyweight championship once more. Joshua has had success at the O2 Arena in London, winning all seven of his fights there. Hearn has suggested that the British heavyweight might make a return to the venue. Joshua is a two-time heavyweight champion. “I’d like to bring him home,’ Hearn added. “Look, there’s the Zhang (Zhilei) fight. A lot of people think he beat Filip Hrgovic and that’s a big fight in China, but I just feel that the next fight should be in the UK. It will be at the O2 or Manchester Arena, we won’t do a stadium fight.”
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