Anthony Joshua Reportedly Targeting Fight Against Fourth-Best Australian Boxer
Joshua has not won since 2020 against Kubrat Pulev.
It’s yet to be confirmed, but there’s a report that names who Anthony Joshua’s next opponent will be.
Joshua will reportedly be easing back into the ring with a bout against Australia’s No. 4 ranked boxer Demsey McKean, according to Adam Catterall of Fight Disciples.
🥊🇬🇧 JOSHUA v McKEAN? 👊💥
According to @AdamCatterall – Anthony Joshua’s next fight will be against Australian Demsey McKean
A decent test for AJ after the two Usyk defeats?
Catch the full podcast from the lads at @FightDisciples https://t.co/O5qFdfLsPp pic.twitter.com/Z2rv47LOwo
— Boxing UK (@Boxing_UK_) January 9, 2023
McKean touts a 22-0 professional record. He has yet to taste defeat, picking up his most recent win by knocking out Patrick Korte in October 2022. In 22 of his wins, 14 were by knockout.
The 32-year-old has previously sparred with Joshua. He’s ranked fourth among Australia’s Lucas Browne, Justin Huni and Faiga Opelu.
McKean also has experience in kickboxing and MMA. His MMA record is 2-1 with one win coming by submission and the other by decision.
As for Joshua, he and his promoter Eddie Hearn have been searching for an opponent for his “comeback fight.”
Joshua once held the WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles, but those were snatched when he first fought then not-well-known Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021. He lost by unanimous decision.
Joshua then triggered the rematch clause, and the two met again nearly a year later – in August 2022 – where Usyk was once again victorious – this time by split decision.
Ever since then, Joshua and Hearn have been looking for a way back to championship status. Joshua has been suggested to fight top heavyweight contenders like Deontay Wilder, Joe Joyce and Daniel DuBois, but none of those ever came to fruition.
He was even offered to fight WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, but those negotiations fell through. Now, Fury and Usyk are reportedly close to sealing the deal on a March undisputed clash.
Joshua has insisted that he’s still aiming for a world title.