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Anthony Joshua could make U-turn on plan to make boxing return in December and be back sooner, says Barry Hearn


ANTHONY JOSHUA could make a U-turn on his planned boxing return having revealed he will sit out until December.

AJ returned with a victory at the start of April over 12 rounds against Jermaine Franklin, following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk.

Anthony Joshua claimed he will not fight again till DecemberCredit: Getty

Promoter Eddie Hearn hoped it would be the first in a hat-trick of 2023 bouts to keep the two-time heavyweight champion busy.

But days later, Joshua posted on Instagram: “My next fight is scheduled for December.

“Not ideal but everything is part of a bigger picture.”

Despite the shock revelation, Hearn’s Hall of Fame father Barry warned not to rule out a change of plan.

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He told Joe: “Firstly, I think there were a few misquotes about he’s not boxing until December. He’s thinking about not boxing until December.

“I love Anthony but he’s on holiday at the moment, He’s having a good time. He spends his life in training camps.

“When you’re having a good time, you like to carry on having a good time, but I know Anthony a bit better than that.

“I won’t be a 100 per cent surprised to see a U-turn on that.”

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Joshua, 33, is currently enjoying time off in Dubai, before planning a trip back to Texas for more training under new coach Derrick James.

It comes amid rumours of a fight against Deontay Wilder, 37, in December in Saudi Arabia.

And Tyson Fury, 34, would also face Usyk, 36, with the winners of the two bouts meeting in a proposed tournament.

It would tie into Joshua’s plan to wait till the end of the year to fight following his comeback victory against American Franklin, 29.

Anthony Joshua beat Jermaine Franklin on pointsCredit: RICHARD PELHAM


Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk


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