New Anthony Joshua opponent set to be announced

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will fight as planned at the O2 Arena on Saturday with a new opponent.

Joshua was scheduled to face domestic rival Dillian Whyte before 'The Body Snatcher' registered an adverse finding from a doping test meaning the bout was cancelled.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told BBC Radio 5 Live a new opponent would be announced by Tuesday morning. 

The Olympic gold medalist is keen to get back in the ring as he looks to work his way into contention to regain his world titles, which he lost to current champion Oleksandr Usyk back in 2021. Joshua had an immediate shot at redemption in last summer’s rematch with the Ukrainian, but was again on the receiving end of a defeat, this time via a split decision.

Joshua and Whyte fought previously at the O2 arena in 2015, with Joshua stopping his opponent in the seventh round.