Anthony Joshua has revealed plans for a September fight at Wembley Stadium, with a shortlist of four potential opponents. The British heavyweight, 34, is aiming to rebuild his career after losing his world titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and recently defeating Francis Ngannou.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Joshua confirmed the date: “It’s gonna be in London, Wembley Stadium. This is what I’m being told. Wembley, September 20 or 21.” He is unable to challenge for a world title due to the upcoming undisputed clash between Usyk and Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia next month.
Joshua’s next opponent will be selected from the winners of fights on the June 1 Matchroom vs Queensberry five-on-five card in Saudi Arabia. The shortlist includes Filip Hrgovic vs Daniel Dubois and Zhilei Zhang vs Deontay Wilder. Joshua said: “Providing one of those looks good… Turki Alalshikh said to me, ‘I want you to fight [him].’ So out of that pool, I believe that’s who I’m gonna be fighting, one of those.”
His ultimate goal remains a domestic showdown with Tyson Fury, but he acknowledged Fury’s prior commitments. “Fury’s got his obligations with Oleksandr Usyk so I’ve gotta make sure I stay focused and disciplined, keep steamrolling through opponents so I can get closer to me vs Tyson Fury,” Joshua added.
Joshua also tipped Usyk to defeat Fury in their undisputed clash, saying: “I’ve fought Usyk so I can only speak on what I’ve experienced with him – phenomenal fighter, I would say he’s gonna do a really good job.”
