Anthony Joshua reveals date, venue and possible opponent for next fight and it’s brilliant news for British fans
ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed the potential dates for his next fight – which is being targeted to take place at Wembley Stadium.
The former two-time unified heavyweight champion hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his annihilation of former UFC champ Francis Ngannou in March.
AJ was expected to wait on the sidelines to fight the winner of Tyson Fury‘s undisputed straightener with Oleksandr Usyk provided a rematch clause wasn’t triggered by either man.
But the Watford warrior is planning to stay active, with a September showdown at the home of English football currently in the works.
He told talkSPORT: “Whenever they tell me there’s a date, you know I’ll be ready 100 per cent.
“It’s gonna be in London, Wembley Stadium.
“This is what I’m being told. If that’s what they say, they normally back their word so let’s go with that.
“Wembley, September 20 or 21.”
Saudi boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh has put together two blockbuster heavyweight fights for the eagerly-anticipated 5v5 tournament between Queensberry Promotions and Matchroom Boxing.
Former long-reigning WBC champion Deontay Wilder will throw down with Zhilei Zhang in a do-or-die career showdown
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How AJ punched his way to the top
ANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.
From humble origins in Watford to Olympic hero, the boxer has made a heavyweight impact in and out of the ring.
Eddie Hearn claims a collision with rival Tyson Fury could be worth a whopping £200million.
The pair’s bitter feud saw them refuse to say a word to each other as they met Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua has already hinted at when he will hang up his gloves.
And he revealed why his son will NEVER be allowed to box. despite amassing a £215m empire thanks to the sweet science.
AJ enjoys a lavish lifestyle including private jets and a £350k watch.
His career and sponsorship deals have seen him swap his council estate upbringing for a luxury car collection.
London hairdresser Kika Osunde is believed to have swept the KO king off his feet.
But Joshua still lives with his mum Yeta when he is not on the road.
Check out all our Anthony Joshua articles here.
And Brit Daniel Dubois will look to become the mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title in a Riyadh rumble with a win over Filip Hrgovic.
AJ will be keeping a close eye on both bouts as he expects his next opponent to emerge from the quartet of heavy hitters.
He continued: “On June 1 in Saudi Arabia they’ve got the 5 vs 5 card.
“You’ve got Filip Hrgovic vs Daniel Dubois, and you’ve got Zhilei Zhang vs Deontay Wilder.
“So providing one of those looks good – the one who looks the best, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh said to me, ‘I want you to fight [him].’
“What he says is, ‘In the future I want people to look back at your record and say that you took on the best.’
“I said, ‘Now you’re speaking my language.’
“So out of that pool, I believe that’s who I’m gonna be fighting, one of those.
“We’re on the same page and he’s on the same page as the fans as well.
“But Fury’s got his obligations with Oleksandr Usyk so I’ve gotta make sure I stay focused and disciplined.
“Keep steamrolling through opponents so I can get closer and closer to having the opportunity of me vs Tyson Fury.”
Boxing fans around the world are hoping Fury gets through his back-to-back dust-ups with Usyk in order for a long-overdue Battle of Britain with AJ to come to fruition.
And Joshua is confident the bout will happen, saying: “Boxing is changing a lot, there is a new player, Turki Alalshikh, who is taking the world by storm.
“He is doing what he wants for the fans, it’s amazing.
So if the fans demand it, I know that he will deliver. I know the fans want me and Fury, I want that.
“I’m not going to give away plans, but he is a man of action.
“It’s coming, most definitely it’s coming.”