Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that ANTHONY JOSHUA will be back in the ring in December, regardless of whether he beats Oleksandr Uzyk.
32-year-old AJ will fight for the IBF/WBA and WBC world titles in heavyweight in Saudi Arabia on 20 August to avenge his defeat to the Ukrainian.
Usyk will meet Joshua for the second time next month
Hearn insists Joshua fight twice in 2022 against Usyk - win or lose
11 months have passed since their first fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last January.
Joshua has only fought twice since he reclaimed the belts against Andy Ruiz Jr. in the Middle East, December 2019.
Hearn admitted that AJ has not had enough ring time, but that he will fight twice this year.
He spoke to iFL TV and stated that Joshua wants activity more than anything. December will be his next fight.
Joshua has many big fights left, regardless of whether Usyk beats him next month. These include Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder as well as a rematch with Dillian Whyte.
Frazer Clarke, AJ's sparring partner, believes Usyk can defeat him.
According to him, the Telegraph reported that his focus was on Usyk and outhustling him using educated pressure.
"AJ is focused on the game, even though this fight is awkward against a very skilled heavyweight just like Tyson Fury.
Clarke stressed that Joshua does not look past Usyk in a all-British matchup against WBC champion Fury.
He said, "Listen, Tyson Fury hasn't been spoken in our gym since we know the job is difficult."
"There are no doubts that Usyk is one the most skilled heavyweight champions we have seen in recent years.
"On a skill basis, Usyk is at the top of Fury's tree, even if one goes back in time.
"Just going in there to maul him like people suggest, it's not going to happen. He will not be outboxed.
