Anthony Joshua announces he will not fight again until DECEMBER

Anthony Joshua has revealed he won’t fight again until December after previously teasing a big summer showdown with either Tyson Fury or Dillian Whyte.

The two-time world champion returned to winning ways after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk by outsmarting Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena earlier this month.

Joshua spoke of his intention to return to the ring soon afterwards, but has now announced a change of plan on social media.

My next fight is scheduled for December. Not ideal, but everything is part of a bigger picture,” Joshua wrote on Instagram.

Joshua is said to have suffered a nose injury during his victory over Franklin, although it is currently unknown if this played a role in delaying his next fight.

Anthony Joshua looked like he could fight Tyson Fury or Dillian Whyte this summer

Joshua has now announced that he will not fight again until the end of the year

Joshua’s announcement is likely to disappoint fans hoping to see the Watford heavyweight back in action this summer.

The 33-year-old called out WBC champion Fury after raising his hand against Franklin, while his promoter Eddie Hearn had spoken in July about a possible rematch with Whyte after their thrilling fight eight years ago.

Whyte was happy to settle the score with Joshua who was unimpressed by his latest performance, but the former world title challenger is now likely to be looking for a new opponent following Joshua’s surprising news.

Joshua posted the word “momentum” on his Instagram in the aftermath of the Franklin fight following his first win under new trainer Derrick James.

He has not fought more than once a year since 2019 and seemed to be getting more active as he enters the final stages of his career.

However, his dream of becoming a three-time champion seems to have been put on hold for now and he will be 34 when fans see him back between the ropes in December.