Your Route to Real News

Joshua's return REVEALED by Hearn with 'three or four opponents' are in talks

1247     0
Joshua's return REVEALED by Hearn with 'three or four opponents' are in talks
Joshua's return REVEALED by Hearn with 'three or four opponents' are in talks

ANTHONY JOSHUA already has up to FOUR potential opponents pencilled in - with his return date all-but finalised.

The former unified heavyweight champion has been out since August when he lost to Oleksandr Usyk for the second time.

Promoter Eddie Hearn pictured with Anthony Joshua eiqtiddiqqkprw
Promoter Eddie Hearn pictured with Anthony JoshuaCredit: PA

And following failed talks with Tyson Fury, 34, in December, AJ took the rest of the year off to rest and recover.

It now leaves him primed for a comeback fight in April with promoter Eddie Hearn considering opponents.

Hearn told DAZN: “We are down to three or four opponents.

Paris Fury speaks out on pregnancy 'rumours' in loved up NYE post with TysonParis Fury speaks out on pregnancy 'rumours' in loved up NYE post with Tyson

“He is ready to start camp and will likely start that camp this week. Honestly, I couldn’t give Anthony Joshua an opponent he will turn down.

"It’s all about putting together the right training team.”

Joshua, 33, is on the scout for a new training camp following consecutive losses to Usyk.

After the first, in September 2021, Joshua parted ways with long-time cornerman Rob McCracken, who led him to gold in the amateurs and pros.

He replaced McCracken with esteemed US mastermind Garcia, but following rematch defeat by Usyk, 35, the two have now also split.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

It leaves Joshua heading back to the drawing board ahead of his return, which could pave the way for a three-fight 2023.

Hearn said: “He wants to return to return with a Top 15 guy.

“Then in the summer probably versus Dillian Whyte and then a mega-fight with Deontay Wilder.

“The plan now is to rebuild him to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.

I cancelled 18th birthday party to KO Tyson record as youngest heavyweight kingI cancelled 18th birthday party to KO Tyson record as youngest heavyweight king

"It's all very well being brave, listening to Twitter, going out and fighting Deontay Wilder. But there has to be a plan, a smart plan.”

Anthony Joshua could fight three or four times in 2023
Anthony Joshua could fight three or four times in 2023Credit: PA

Jack Figg

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus