Anthony Joshua has set the stage for his next fight, dropping hints of a potential blockbuster clash with Deontay Wilder at Wembley Stadium in London, scheduled for September, 2024.
The former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, determined to reclaim the titles he lost to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021, aims for a triumphant return this autumn after his recent victory over Francis Ngannou in March.
Anthony Joshua disclosed that four contenders are under consideration for his next opponent, with the matchups of Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang and Filip Hrgovic vs Daniel Dubois slated for June 1 in Riyadh. The standout performer from these bouts will likely emerge as the frontrunner to face Joshua.
It has been speculated that Saudi Arabia’s boxing authorities, led by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, are planning a significant event at Wembley in September, with Joshua now confirming his potential headlining role.
While Usyk and Tyson Fury prepare for their own highly anticipated undisputed showdown in Saudi Arabia, Joshua remains focused on securing a top contender from the upcoming Matchroom vs Queensberry boxing extravaganza.
Among the potential opponents, Wilder or British powerhouse Daniel Dubois could be in Joshua’s sights. However, the ultimate goal for Joshua is a showdown on home turf against Fury, signalling his ambitious aspirations for the future of heavyweight boxing.
When asked for an update on his ring return, Joshua told talkSPORT’s Jon Jackson ahead of the Formula E Monaco E-Prix:
“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,” Joshua said.
“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.”
Discussing his potential next opponent, AJ explained HE Alalshikh’s plan.
“On June 1 in Saudi Arabia, they have got the 5 vs 5 card,” Joshua added.
“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.
Joshua vs Wilder is of course the biggest potential fight out of the four names in the frame for September 20/21.
That fight was signed and supposed to happen in March, however, Wilder was beaten by Joseph Parker in December so AJ faced Francis Ngannou instead, winning by devastating KO.
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