Boxing: Joshua to defend IBF title in November

LONDON, United Kingdom – Britain’s Anthony Joshua will mount the latest defense of his IBF heavyweight title at the Manchester Arena on November 26.

Joshua last fought when he stopped Dominic Breazeale in 7 rounds in June and the undefeated 26-year-old’s next challenger is to be announced by the end of September.

After a demanding run of 7 fights in 15 months, Joshua took a 5-month break, but the 2012 Olympic gold medalist’s November bout, announced by Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, signals another busy period.

Hearn spoke earlier in the week of a 3-fight plan for Joshua that begins on November 26, is followed by a further defense against mandatory challenger Joseph Parker in March, and then concludes with a voluntary bout at Wembley Stadium against one of the division’s biggest names.

“When I first started my professional career I travelled all round the country fighting, which I loved, this is taking me back to the grass roots,” Joshua said on Friday.

“I can’t wait to get back up north and show the people of Manchester how much I have improved since the last time I was there. I have been inspired over the summer by the fighters in the Olympics, it has given me a new perspective and huge hunger to get back in ring.” – Rappler.com