Following his victory over Jermaine Franklin earlier this month, Anthony Joshua has announced that he would not return to the ring until December.
Following his majority decision victory over American Franklin at The O2, the British heavyweight star has been linked with matches against Dillian Whyte and Tyson Fury.
However, Joshua looked to sustain a nasal injury during the bout and issued a message on social media indicating an extended sabbatical from the sport.
“My next fight will be in December.” “It’s not ideal, but everything is part of a bigger picture,” Joshua said on Instagram.
Joshua lost his unified WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and was unable to restore them when he was defeated by the Ukrainian in a rematch last year.
“I’m going to keep pushing and plugging away,” he remarked following his victory over Frankin. Perhaps I should have let go more [against Franklin]. Perhaps this, perhaps that.
“That’s all in the past now, and all we can think about is what will happen in the future.” It’s just nice to be back and getting things going. We’re climbing again, we’re climbing the ladder.”
Joshua demanded a heavyweight fight with British foe Fury after defeating Jermaine Franklin on points.
Joshua previously stated that if he had lost against Franklin, he would have contemplated retiring. But he vows that his excitement for the sport will not wane.
“I’m enthusiastic. Self-driven. Motivated. Nobody makes me do this. Nobody makes me get up and run in the morning. “It’s difficult,” he said. “It can be difficult at times.
“But something inside you says, ‘Come on, you’ve got to fight, you’ve got to win.'” When you start losing that passion, you have to be honest with yourself.”
He is aware that the moment will come for him one day. He’ll have to stop one day.
“There is no ticking time bomb that I can predict when it will detonate.” But there is a reality,” he explained.
“The reality I’m living is, we’re still chasing something,” he said. I’m still pursuing my dream.
“I’m definitely invested in the game.” Still. For a variety of causes. The list is lengthy, but I’m determined to complete it.”
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