Anthony Joshua has announced that he will not return to the ring until December following this month’s win over Jermaine Franklin.
The British heavyweight star has been linked with fights against Dillian Whyte and Tyson Fury following his unanimous decision victory over American Franklin at The O2.
But Joshua appeared to suffer a nose injury during the fight and he posted a statement on social media that suggested a lengthy absence from the sport.
Joshua lost his unified WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and could not reclaim them when he lost his rematch last year with the Ukrainian.
Speaking after the Frankin win he said, “I’m going to keep on pushing and plugging away. Maybe I could have let my hands go more [against Franklin]. Maybe this, maybe that.
Joshua called for a heavyweight showdown against British rival Fury after he battled to a points win over Jermaine Franklin.
Joshua previously acknowledged he would have considered retiring had he lost to Franklin. But he promises his enthusiasm for the sport is undimmed.
He knows that moment will arrive for him one day. One day he will have to stop.
