Anthony Joshua considers next heavyweight opponent for summer return
Anthony Joshua has decided to continue his boxing career and is targeting a summer return to the ring following his recovery from a tragic car crash in December.
The 36-year-old suffered injuries in a devastating incident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two teammates.
That tragedy occurred just 10 days after the former two-time world champion stopped influencer Jake Paul in six rounds.
Speculation over the British fighter’s future has been intense, but he has recently resumed gym training.
Promoter Eddie Hearn fuelled rumours of an imminent announcement this week by sharing a social media image of the pair alongside the word “loading”.
Elite heavyweight rivals occupied
Securing a marquee opponent presents an immediate challenge with the elite tier of the division already booked for the coming months.
Unified champion Oleksandr Usyk is scheduled to defend his WBC belt against Rico Verhoeven at the pyramids of Giza on 23 May.
Domestic rivals are also tied up, with Tyson Fury ending his fifth retirement to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April.
Elsewhere, Fabio Wardley defends his WBO title against Daniel Dubois, while Derek Chisora meets Deontay Wilder.
Kabayel and Hrgovic emerge as leading contenders
Agit Kabayel stands out as a highly credible and available option for the London-born star.
The unbeaten German serves as the WBC mandatory challenger but was overlooked for Usyk’s upcoming voluntary defence.
Kabayel possesses exceptional accuracy, having recently secured impressive body-shot stoppage victories over both Zhilei Zhang and Makhmudov.
Filip Hrgovic represents another viable alternative for a summer showdown.
The Croatian heavyweight is currently without an opponent and is looking to rebuild following his first career defeat to Dubois.
