Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has confirmed his highly-anticipated return to the boxing ring in September. Following his impressive knockout victory against Francis Ngannou, Joshua has extended his unbeaten streak to four fights, showcasing his dominance and skill in the squared circle. Joshua’s return is huge for the boxing world because he has his sights set on the undisputed world titles, which Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight for next month.
During an interview on The Jonathan Ross Show, Joshua revealed his excitement about his upcoming fight, stating, “I’ve been told it will be around September. I had hoped for June. Now I have some time to go on dates and socialize a bit. I’m currently training, and I have two months before I enter the training camp.” This glimpse into Joshua’s mindset highlights his dedication and commitment to his craft.
According to Derek Chisora, Queensbury Promotions is planning a spectacular event at the iconic Wembley Stadium later this year, with Joshua headlining the card. Chisora shared his insights, saying, “He will fight the winner of Daniel Dubois and [Filip] Hrgovic at Wembley. I may have a big mouth, but that’s the plan. It would be fantastic for Turki Alalshikh to bring it back to London,” during an interview with iFL TV. The prospect of Joshua fighting the victor of Dubois vs. Hrgovic adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to his return.
Dubois and Hrgovic are rumored to be fighting on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s highly-anticipated undisputed clash, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia on June 1. The possibility of the IBF world title being on the line adds further intrigue, as the organization may enforce a mandatory challenger fight between Fury, Usyk, and Hrgovic.
In 2020, Joshua fought three times, albeit in the absence of live audiences due to the global pandemic. He secured a lackluster decision victory against Jermaine Franklin before delivering impressive knockouts against Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin. These victories showcased Joshua’s resilience and determination to reclaim his status as the heavyweight division’s dominant force. Remarkably, it has been over a decade since Joshua made his professional debut, and his longevity in the sport is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication.
When questioned about his retirement plans, Joshua revealed, “I’ve always said 35. I’ll be turning 35 in October, and I’m thinking another two years or so if my body holds up.” This glimpse into his future aspirations highlights his desire to make the most of his prime years in the sport and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time.
As Anthony Joshua prepares to step back into the ring, the boxing world eagerly awaits his return. With his eyes firmly set on the undisputed world titles, Joshua’s journey towards redemption and glory promises to captivate fans around the globe. His upcoming fight in September will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in his career as he seeks to reclaim his position at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
