Anthony Joshua is set to resume training this week, hinting at his highly-anticipated return to the ring before December. The former unified heavyweight champion has not fought since his unconvincing points win over Jermaine Franklin last month. Rumours abound that his long-awaited showdown with Deontay Wilder is on the verge of being finalised, and his trainer Derrick James revealed that Joshua is due back in the gym on Friday.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is reportedly keen for the Watford-born fighter to have another warm-up bout against a British opponent such as Dillian Whyte before he takes on the former WBC king. The much-anticipated fight between Wilder and Joshua is set to be part of a four-man tournament, which includes Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Talks over the grudge match began in April, with discussions between both camps reportedly going smoothly this time around. Wilder’s head coach, Malik Scott, has even hinted at an imminent announcement. However, it remains to be seen whether Joshua will be up to the task of taking on Wilder after such a long layoff.
Despite the excitement surrounding Joshua’s return to training and the prospect of an epic showdown with Wilder, fans would do well to temper their expectations, given past disappointments. Nevertheless, Joshua’s return to the ring is always cause for celebration, and the boxing world eagerly awaits his next move.
