Following back-to-back defeats to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua is set for a competitive return in December, as he starts the long road back to a world title chance.
Consecutive defeats to world champion Usyk have left the British-Nigerian heavyweight needing to rebuild his world championship credentials.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has laid down a plan for Joshua’s return to the top, including a UK fight in December and another bout against Dillian Whyte next year.
Joshua is now keen for a rematch against Whyte since he knocked the Brit out in 2015. Tyson Fury also knocked out Whyte in his last fight back in April.
Former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder also wants to fight Joshua, but promoter Hearn said the British fighter will face a lower ranked opponent first.
“We’re all gunning for a December return,” 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.
“It will be someone credible, who Joshua can come back, express himself against and build on what he’s learning in camp. He can then build himself back up to fighting for a heavyweight title again.”
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