Confirmed: Anthony Joshua WILL fight in the UK next as Hearn targets Whyte rematch in 2023

Eddie Hearn has confirmed both that Anthony Joshua will return to the United Kingdom for his next fight and that it will be against a top 15 opponent, while revealing plans to stage a stadium fight against Dillian Whyte next year.

Joshua fell to a second-straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk earlier in August, having lost his WBA, WBO and IBF belts to the Ukrainian mastermind in September last year, with his record now at 24-3.

With the path now clear for Usyk and Tyson Fury to fight for the undisputed championship, Joshua will embark on a new stage of his career, one that will likely get underway in December.

‘We’re all gunning for a December return,’ Hearn told Sportsmail on Wednesday. ‘It’s not confirmed, but that’s where everyone’s minds are at.

‘We’re not booking a venue, but the conversations – as recently as yesterday – was December for his return. I don’t want to start mentioning names, but it’s a top 15 fight.’

Though remaining tight-lipped as to exactly who Joshua will face, Hearn was explicit regarding who Joshua won’t be taking on in his next outing.

The Matchroom boss ruled out a possible long-awaited showdown against Deontay Wilder, though stressing a bout could take place down the line and insisting it would be bigger than an undisputed fight between Usyk and Fury.

Hearn has ruled out the possibility of Joshua facing Deontay Wilder in his next contest

Hearn also revealed it won’t be former foes Whyte or Andy Ruiz Jr.

‘It will be someone credible, who AJ can come back, express himself against and build on what he’s learning in camp,’ Hearn added. ‘He can then build himself back up to fighting for a heavyweight title again.’ The likes of Zhilei Zhang and Otto Wallin would certainly fall into that category.

As for where Joshua will make his return to the ring, Hearn is clear. Just two of his last five outings have come in the UK, having fought Stateside for his first bout against Ruiz Jr, and in Saudi Arabia for the rematches against both Ruiz and Usyk.

‘I’d like to bring him home,’ he said. ‘Look, there’s the Zhang fight. A lot of people think he beat Filip Hrgovic and that’s a big fight in China, but I just feel that the next fight should be in the UK.’

‘It will be at the O2 or Manchester Arena, we won’t do a stadium fight,’ he added.

Dillian Whyte (left) and Tyson Fury have been suggested as possible opponents for Joshua

For Hearn, the dream of Joshua becoming a three-time heavyweight champion is still very much alive. As is the possibility of fighting Wilder. As is the possibility of fighting Fury.

The long-serving promoter wants Joshua to rebuild with at least two fights beforehand, though, with the second potentially coming in the form of an enticing rematch against bitter rival Whyte.

‘We’re talking to Dillian about his next fight in November, other people are making offers, but I see that fight in the spring or summer 2023 in a stadium,’ Hearn said. ‘It’s a massive fight.’

Meanwhile, Hearn, who has spoken to Joshua numerous times since his defeat to Usyk, insisted there is one primary name on the heavyweight’s mind: ‘Dillian Whyte. He 100 per cent wants to fight Dillian Whyte.’

Hearn expects Joshua’s next fight to be in London after his most recent outing in Saudi Arabia