Anthony Joshua to return in December as Tyson Fury set to fight Andy Ruiz

English professional boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Olaseni Joshua is set for another long absence from the ring.

Joshua recently returned from a six months absence following a second defeat to Ukranian professional boxer Oleksandr Usyk.

It took Joshua 12 rounds of action to record a unanimous decision victory against American professional boxer Jermaine Franklin at the 02 Arena in London.

Joshua after the fight called out English professional boxer and reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

British sports promoter and chairman of Matchroom Boxing Edward Hearn stated after Joshua's victory against Franklin that there will be two more fights arranged for the former unified heavyweight champion.

Joshua also echoed the statement by Hearn that a return to the ring in July is in the works as he returns to train with Derek James in Texas.

Hearn went on to confirm negotiations that British professional boxer Dillian Whyte was the front-runner for a rematch against Joshua in the summer.

Joshua has however come out to reveal new plans concerning his schedule for the year.

He put out a statement on his Instagram story to tell fans he will only be fighting twice in 2023.

The message by Joshua said, “My next fight is scheduled for December. Not ideal but everything is part of a bigger picture.”

The somewhat vague statement gives no explanation as to why a fight in July is no longer possible. 

Injury, obligations during training camp, or unsuccessful summertime negotiations for a specific opponent are all potential causes.

Fury is also reportedly back in negotiations for a return to the ring since his last fight against Derek Chisora.

Fury the WBC title holder was unable to reach an agreement with IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO champion Usyk for an undisputed fight.

American lawyer and boxing promoter Bob Arum of Top Ranking has now come out to say Fury is in negotiations with Mexican professional boxer Andy Ruiz.

Ruiz knocked out Joshua at Madison Square Garden back in 2019 to become the first Mexican unified heavyweight champion.

Arum believes Ruiz is a suitable contender for Fury to defend his title against this summer.

Discussing with Cornerman boxing, Arum said,  “He’s [Fury] been in Italy on vacation with his family.

“He’s back in England, and we’re talking to him, and we’re looking for the best available guy for him to fight this summer in the UK. Maybe it’ll be Andy Ruiz [who faces Fury] or somebody like that.” 

With Fury set to face Ruiz soon and Joshua pushing back a comeback until December, there are now reports of a mega fight between the two British biggest heavyweight stars.