Anthony Joshua Announces September Return, Targets Heavyweight Title Fights

Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to make his highly anticipated return to the boxing ring in September 2024. The British superstar, known for his explosive power and 90% knockout ratio, has announced his comeback fight will take place on either September 20 or 21 at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London. Joshua, who has been out of action since his last fight, is eager to reclaim his position at the top of the heavyweight division.

The former unified champion has his sights set on potential matchups with the winners of three upcoming high-stakes bouts: Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang, Filip Hrgovic vs Daniel Dubois for the vacated IBF heavyweight title, and the highly anticipated undisputed championship clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. However, the Fury-Usyk fight may not take place until 2025, leaving Joshua with a narrower field of immediate opponents to choose from.

In preparation for his return, Joshua has been putting in the work in the gym and sparring with top contenders. British cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe, who has shared the ring with Joshua, attested to the Olympian's power, stating, "Joshua can bang as well." However, Riakporhe revealed that it was actually another British heavyweight, Dillian Whyte, who hit him the hardest during a sparring session in 2018.

Riakporhe recalled the incident, saying,"I would say Dillian Whyte hit me the hardest... He hit me with a big shot with the lead hand, it was a type of uppercut. He has a lot of power in his lead hand, and I got hit with that and everything slowed down. "This revelation highlights the depth of talent and power in the heavyweight division, with both Joshua and Whyte being formidable forces in the ring."

As for Whyte, the "Body Snatcher" recently made his own return to the ring with a routine victory over Christian Hammer. While he has yet to announce his next fight date, Whyte has several intriguing options on the table, including potential showdowns withtop contenders Joe Joyceand Joseph Parker. With both Joshua and Whyte back in action, the heavyweight division is set for an exciting second half of 2024.

The heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux, with multiple belts being contested and a new generation of contenders vying for their shot at glory. Joshua's return adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating division. Can the former champion recapture his past form and once again sit atop the heavyweight throne? Or will he fall short against the hungry challengers looking to make their mark? These questions will be answered when Joshua steps back into the ring atWembley Stadiumin September.

Key Takeaways

• Anthony Joshua to return to the ring in September 2024 at Wembley Stadium.
• Joshua eyes potential matchups with winners of Wilder-Zhang, Hrgovic-Dubois, and Fury-Usyk fights.
• Joshua has been sparring with top contenders, including Richard Riakporhe, to prepare for his return.
• Dillian Whyte, another British heavyweight, hit Riakporhe the hardest in a 2018 sparring session.
• Joshua's return adds to the excitement in the heavyweight division, with multiple belts and contenders vying for glory.