Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, promised fans a three-fight year. That now looks dead in the water.
The two-time world champion is just a week out from getting his first win since Kubrat Pulev back in 2020, but any momentum gained has now been stunted.
Taking to Instagram, ‘AJ’ revealed that he would be next be fighting at the end of the year, going back on previous plans of a fight in July.
“My next fight is scheduled for December. Not ideal but everything is part of a bigger picture.”
The somewhat cryptic statement doesn’t reveal why a July bout is now off the table. Possible reasons could be injury, training camp commitments, or failed negotiations for a particular opponent in summer.
‘AJ’ could have lined up a big money fight for December as planned, perhaps skipping one in between to avoid injury or loss.
Whatever the reason, the general consensus in the boxing world will be that it’s not a good plan.
Whilst he dominated Jermaine Franklin to get back to winning ways, the Olympic Gold Medalist looked tentative and showed signs of still getting used to work under new trainer, Derrick James.
After the performance, boxing analysts advised the 25-3 heavyweight to take another fight before challenging the likes of Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder or Joe Joyce.
A July showdown with old foe Dillian Whyte was expected, and seen as an appropriate test for a Joshua who is still clearly in rebuilding mode under James.
If the promise of a mega fight has influenced Joshua’s team into holding off until winter, it may be a good move financially, but few will agree with it tactically.
More is expected to follow.