Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua will return to the United Kingdom for his next fight before the end of the year, which will be against an opponent ranked in the top 15.
The Nigerian-Briton lost via a split decision to Oleksandr Usyk two weeks ago in a world heavyweight title rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, his second defeat to the Ukrainian.
He had earlier lost his World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organisation and International Boxing Federation belts to Usyk in London in 2021.
While Usyk is expected to face World Boxing Council champion Tyson Fury for the undisputed title, Joshua will take a long route back to the top, which will likely begin in December.
“We’re all gunning for a December return,” Hearn told Sportsmail yesterday. “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 – were December for his return. I don’t want to start mentioning names, but it’s a top 15 fight.”
Although Hearn will not name who Joshua is set to fight on his return to action, the outspoken promoter was clear about who his fighter will not be coming up again next.
He ruled out a possible showdown against Deontay Wilder anytime soon, although he hinted it could still happen in the future.
The promoter also stressed that Joshua’s next bout would not be against Dillian Whyte or Andy Ruiz Jr, the Mexican who was the first fighter to ever beat the former world champion.
“It will be someone credible, who AJ can come back, express himself against and build on what he’s learning in camp,” Hearn added.
“He can then build himself back up to fighting for a heavyweight title again.”
Hearn has plans to ensure the fight is staged in the UK, although just two of Joshua’s last five outings have come in the country.
He will then take Joshua on a ‘world tour’.
“I’d like to bring him home,” he explained. “Look, there’s the Zhang 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.
“Now Joshua is in control of his own future. We can fight who we want, when we want, where we want, and let’s go on an AJ world tour. I want London, I want Vegas, I want Beijing, I want the Middle East, and I want Australia. We can do all of that in a year.”
With the defeat to the unbeaten Usyk, 32-year-old Joshua’s professional record is now three defeats from 27 fights. He has won 24 bouts, an impressive 22 via knockout.
