27 July 2020

Anthony Joshua ready to return to sparring ahead of Kubrat Pulev showdown after recovering from knee injury

World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to return to sparring after recovering from a knee injury.

Fears over the 30-year-old’s fitness arose last month when he was pictured on crutches at a Black Lives Matter gathering in Watford.

Joshua regained his heavyweight titles at the end of 2019 (PA)

But Joshua, who is expected to take on Bulgarian mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev later this year, has now reassured boxing fans he is fit and ready to go.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "The knee is as good as it can be. I am in full training. I didn't stop training even when I had the knee.

"I'm sure many of my social media followers saw me on the heavy bag sitting down. I'm standing up now.

"I'm on two feet and I'm sure we can start sparring, so I'll be looking for some sparring partners in about a week or two to start training camp."

Joshua was originally due to face Pulev on June 20 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the coronavirus pandemic forced that date to be pushed back.

No new date has been confirmed, but it is expected the Brit will either wait until crowds can return in the UK or box abroad in a country less affected by the virus.

Joshua has not fought since reclaiming his world heavyweight titles againt Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia at the end of last year.

Providing he comes through Pulev in the back end of 2020, AJ has reached a ‘financial agreement’ with fellow countryman Tyson Fury for two fights in 2021.

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