NEWLY-CROWNED IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will make his first title defence on 25 June in London against an as-yet unnamed opponent.

The 26-year-old British fighter produced a routine second-round knockout of American Charles Martin to claim the title earlier this month in his 16th professional fight and will return to London’s O2 Arena to defend it.

Potential opponents for Joshua, who has made no secret of his desire to fight fellow British world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, include Bermane Stiverne, Eric Molina and Dominic Breazeale.

I’ve been speaking with my coach and I want the closest fight date possible because I’m feeling good,” Joshua said in a video posted on his official Twitter account.

“I can’t wait to get back into the training camp and pick up where we left off. The date to put in your diary is 25 June, back at the O2 Arena for my first title defence and a jam-packed undercard.

“I can’t wait to be back and I’m looking forward to performing once again.”

- © AFP 2016

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