Anthony Joshua announces September return in Wembley Stadium.
In a recent interview with talkSPORT Anthony Joshua has revealed potential fight dates and opponents. The former champion discussed when he may return and who he may fight and his desire to once again become champion.7
Joshua declared he has a fight ,” between September the 20th to September 25th”. This provides us with a date and also suggests what may be in store. Given this date will be after Usyk vs Fury, Wilder vs Zhang, and Dubois vs Hrgovic his opponent could be any of these guys. It likely won’t be Usyk or Fury given they have a rematch clause but the other options still stand. Also given it’s after Usyk vs Fury it could be for a potentially a vacant IBF title if the winner is stripped and Joshua fights the winner of Hrgovic vs Dubois.
In regards to location Joshua stated, “it’s going to be in London Wembley Stadium”. This is huge Joshua’s last fight at Wembley stadium being against Povetkin in 2018. This is also a great sign that the Saudi’s are willing to have fight cards outside the kingdom. The Saudi’s also displayed this with the announcement of Crawford vs Madrimov and that entire card being in the US. Joshua in the UK particularly in Wembley is guaranteed to sell especially with his recent form against Wallin and Ngannou.
Anthony Joshua Announces September Return
AJ named potential opponents. Joshua stated, “you have Filip Hrgovic vs Daniel Dubois and Zhang Zhelie vs Deontay Wilder so providing one of those look good the one who looks the best his excellency Turki Al Sheik has said I want you to fight”. These are all very compelling and entertaining match ups. But, logically the fight that makes the most sense is Joshua vs the winner of Hrgovic vs Dubois. This is because beating the winner of that fights gets him a mandatory position for the IBF Belt. Furthermore, a fight against Dubois or Hrgovic may involve the vacant IBF belt if Usyk or Fury is stripped.
Joshua is also aware that, ” the fans want that big fight with Tyson Fury and he’s(Turki Al Sheik) working on it”. Joshua went on to say, “Fury has his obligations to fill with Usyk”. This is in clear reference to Usyk vs Fury and a potential rematch which could tie down both fighters. Regardless of the outcome of Usyk vs Fury fans will still be keen on Joshua vs Fury. And if it does happen it would be a crime to not have it take place in the UK.
AJ was also asked about an Usyk trilogy responding “let’s go, 100%” still eager to avenge those losses. And despite being outboxed thoroughly both fights a Joshua victory is still possible. A Joshua with the right tactics of utilising his size and power going all out could spell danger for an ageing Usyk. That being said a trilogy where AJ has already lost twice thoroughly is a tough sell. Joshua also picked Usyk to beat Fury.
Who do you think Anthony Joshua will face upon his return between the ropes? Let us know in the comments!
