Anthony Joshua upsets fans after ending rumours of July fight

Boxing fans have been disappointed after Anthony Joshua announced his next fight will not be happening in July.

At the start of April, Joshua returned to the ring for the first time since losing to Oleksandr Usyk for the second time.

In a packed O2 arena in London, Joshua managed to get the better of American Jermaine Franklin via a decision victory.

Last week, Joshua claimed that he will be back in the ring within three months.

He told BBC’s One Show: “It was nine months since I was last in the ring [before Franklin].

“I don't want to leave it that long again. I want to be back there in next three months.”

Joshua added: “I'm definitely going to be fighting in the next three months, against who? It's still unknown.”

However, he has since announced that his next fight will be in December.

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

Naturally, fans have been expressing their disappointment on social media.

One said: “Not a serious contender at all.”

Another tweeted: “December.. lol.. the fight probably conflicted with his week in ibiza.”

Anthony Joshua on Instagram today stating that his next fight will now be in December, not July as previously hoped… pic.twitter.com/JKEVMQpfVa

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 9, 2023

A third fan added: “Surprise surprise... This heavyweight decision era could be something special but all of these 1/2 fights a year, plus dodging, ducking, waiting, and other shenanigans makes it all such a massive waste. I know it's nothing new but it doesn't make it right.”

Someone else wrote: “Will do him no good this long lay off.”

Whilst a fifth commented: “Too inactive. What happened to fighting “3 times this year”.”

Joshua has previously stated that he would love to get in the ring with current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

He said after his bout against Franklin: “I know who they want. They said Tyson Fury; the ball is in his court. I would be honoured to fight for the WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World.

“If he's listening, he knows my promoter; we've had dialogue before, so let's continue this. We ain't getting any younger.”

Who will Joshua fight next? Only time will tell.