ANTHONY JOSHUA is all set to return to action against Kubrat Pulev on June 20 at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Eddie Hearn has confirmed.
All eyes will be on Tyson Fury’s rematch against WBC world champ Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas next weekend.
Hearn has let slip that Joshua’s fight against Pulev is set for June 20 at Spurs’ stadium
But then attention will turn to AJ and who the WBA, WBO and IBF king will take on – and where.
Joshua gained revenge on Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia last December, avenging his earth-shattering defeat in New York six months before.
And while Hearn said a blockbuster showdown against Fury should take place in London but could be held abroad, he was adamant that Joshua’s next bout will be in the capital.
He also suggested that it will be held at Spurs’ ground after being impressed with it on a recent visit.
Hearn – who reportedly could have held the bout at the Emirates too but will make an official announcement on this fight next week – told talkSPORT: “Fury vs Joshua should take place in the capital. Unfortunately, there are also offers four four or five times more money what we can get here.
“I’ll get loads of stick for taking the fight out of this country but I don’t make the decisions.
“But as a sportsman… you should do it in the UK.
“Joshua’s next fight will be in London. He could make more elsewhere but he wants London, it’s where he’d love to fight.
“June 20 will be the date for Pulev. It’s the Joshua homecoming to London.”
Hearn also spoke of how he had the chance to sign Fury to his Matchroom stable but passed on the chance because the Gypsy King was “30 stone” at the time.
He said: “Two years ago I saw him in Monaco and I looked at him and thought, ‘You are never coming back’.
“What he’s done is incredible. He’s switched the support too. He wasn’t well liked, said some things, now people support him, he’s done a great job.
“I wanted him to come back but some of the opponents he wanted to face, I would have got so much stick for.
“It was a case of looking at him and thinking he ain’t going to come back. He’s an inspiration to all us larger men.”
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
