ANTHONY JOSHUA is in line to fight Jermaine Franklin after turning to the American for his boxing return.
AJ has lost twice on the spin to Oleksandr Usyk, most recently in their Saudi Arabia rematch in August.
And after failed talks for a shock WBC title fight against Tyson Fury, 34, in December, Joshua, 33, took some time out the ring.
Now, promoter Eddie Hearn revealed a comeback date is set for April 1 at the O2 Arena, with opponents still being evaluated.
SunSport understands attention has switched to Franklin, 29, who AJ watched from ringside lose to Dillian Whyte, 34, in November.
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The majority-decision was disputed with many feeling the Michigan man was unfortunate to walk away beaten.
It has set up a summer stadium rematch between Joshua and Whyte, who he beat in 2015.
Although both are set for separate bouts in the meantime, with Joshua's coming in the first month on April, at the O2 for the first time in seven years.
Southpaws Otto Wallin, 32, and Demsey McKean, 32, were also in consideration but Franklin, who cuts a similar frame to Whyte, looks ready to get the nod.
The Daily Star were first to report talks between Joshua and Franklin.
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AJ has recently returned Stateside in search for a new trainer, having split with Robert Garcia after defeat to Usyk, 35.
And Derrick James, coach to Errol Spence Jr, 32, and Jermell Charlo, 32, is believed to be the choice.
James was nominated for trainer of the year, having led Charlo to undisputed gold at light-middleweight and three unified welterweight titles with Spence.
Joshua would spend his entire training camp in Dallas, before returning from Texas for his fight back in the capital.
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