Anthony Joshua has revealed that he will not fight again until December after previously teasing a big summer showdown with Tyson Fury or Dillian Whyte.
The two-time world champion returned to winning ways after successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk by outpointing Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena earlier this month.
Joshua spoke about his intention to make a swift return to the ring 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 believed to have suffered a nose injury in his win over Franklin, although it is currently unknown as to whether this has played a part in delaying his next fight.
Joshua’s announcement is likely to disappoint fans who will have been hoping to see the Watford heavyweight in action again this summer.
The 33-year-old called out WBC champion Fury after getting his hand raised against Franklin, while his promoter Eddie Hearn had spoken about a potential rematch with Whyte in July after their exciting fight fight eight years ago.
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 in a year since 2019, and had looked set to be more active as he moves into the final stage of his career.
However, his dream of becoming a three-time champion looks to have been put on hold for now, and he will be 34 when fans next see him between the ropes in December.
