Anthony Joshua faces being on the undercard for his next fight in embarrassing step down

Anthony Joshua could return in December on the undercard of a huge event.

Anthony Joshua faces being on the undercard for his next fight in embarrassing step down

Anthony Joshua is reportedly set to fly back to Texas to start training camp ahead of a December fight.

Joshua hasn’t fought since his devastating knockout victory over Robert Helenius in August.

He’s on a two-fight winning streak, having suffered back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

A blockbuster Saudi Arabia showdown against Deontay Wilder had been mooted but talks broke down.

Joshua vs Wilder appears unlikely to take place this year, with a March or April date suggested.

In the meantime, the 34-year-old could have a tick over bout in December ahead of potentially facing off against ‘The Bronze Bomber’.

He could appear on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn bill on December 23 in Abu Dhabi, which is being planned by Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, according to The Sun.

So, that would see Joshua compete on the undercard, which would be his first non-main-event fight since 2015.

He fought Kevin Johnson on the undercard of Matchroom’s ‘Rule Britannia’ card, which saw Kell Brook take on Frankie Gavin in the main-event.

An opponent for December hasn’t been named, but, as an interim clash, it’s unlikely to be a major contender in the heavyweight division.

Anthony Joshua knocks out Robert Helenius. Image: Getty
Anthony Joshua knocks out Robert Helenius. Image: Getty

If Hearn is unable to strike a deal with Team Wilder, then they could turn to IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic, who boasts a 16-0 professional record.

On Joshua vs Wilder, the Matchroom chief said: “We were offered a deal that we accepted [but it fell through]. It’s not my fault now that some of the alternatives may not be anywhere near the last number, so that makes us reconsider our options.

“We’re also in line potentially to fight for the IBF world title vs Filip Hrgovic/Otto Wallin. So I don’t care about Deontay Wilder, he’s in his own problems, the guy ain’t fought for a year and his last fight was about 40 seconds. He don’t really wanna fight, I don’t think.”

Related Posts

CAREER ENDING BOMBSHELL: “LET THEM SACK ME I TOLD THE TRUTH.” Rylan Clark confirms ITV has cut him loose for refusing to back down on his explosive on air comments. Shaken but defiant, he hit back: “If a network can’t handle honesty, they can live without me.” What truth did he risk his career to reveal?

Rylan Clark has confirmed that his time at This Morning is over—this time for good. After a whirlwind week of controversy, the TV star revealed that his contract with ITV has…

“3,000 PEOPLE… AND NOT A SINGLE DRY EYE LEFT.” Robert Irwin walked onto that ballroom floor like he was carrying something heavy in his chest. And the moment the music hit, you could feel it — every sharp step, every breath pulled tight, like he was trying to say something he’d never said out loud. Then, out of nowhere, Mark Ballas ran onto the floor, and the whole room froze. Two men moving like one heartbeat… like a story they’d both lived through. You could see Derek Hough shaking, trying to hold it together, whispering, “I’ve never seen dancing speak like this.” And honestly… neither had anyone else. The room just broke open. ❤️‍🩹

The Night Robert Irwin Broke the Ballroom Wide Open** There are some moments on live television that feel too real to script — moments when a performance…

Gasps rippled through the control room the moment Rachel Maddow looked straight into the camera and, with icy precision, rejected the authority of her newly appointed executive—live on air.

When Rachel Maddow stared into the camera Monday night, there was a weight in her expression that longtime viewers could feel before she even spoke. Her usual…

CAREER ENDING BOMBSHELL: “LET THEM SACK ME I TOLD THE TRUTH.” Rylan Clark confirms ITV has cut him loose for refusing to back down on his explosive on air comments. Shaken but defiant, he hit back: “If a network can’t handle honesty, they can live without me.” What truth did he risk his career to reveal?

Rylan Clark has confirmed that his time at This Morning is over—this time for good. After a whirlwind week of controversy, the TV star revealed that his contract with ITV has…

At 75, Suzi Quatro Finally Speaks Up About Chris Norman

At seventy-five, Suzi Quatro leans back in a London radio studio, her hands folded over the same kind of leather jacket she’s worn since Detroit. Her voice,…

Nigel Farage is convinced that Reform UK’s plan to tackle the small boats crisis can stop Channel crossings within two weeks of receiving Royal Assent.

The Reform UK leader clarified his commitment after initially misspeaking during his keynote speech at the NEC last Friday. Addressing 6,000 Reform UK members in Birmingham, Mr…