Anthony Joshua to defend world title in Manchester

Anthony Joshua celebrates winning the IBF world heavyweight title on April 9, 2016
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IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua announces that his second title defence will take place at the Manchester Arena on November 26.

IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has confirmed that he will defend his title at the Manchester Arena on November 26.

The 26-year-old will go into his second title defence looking to continue his unblemished professional record of 17 knockouts from 17 fights.

The identity of his opponent will not be revealed until later this month, but Joseph Parker, Bermane Stiverne and Kubrat Pulev are considered the most likely challengers.

"When I first started my professional career I travelled all round the country fighting, which I loved. This is taking me back to the grassroots," Joshua told reporters.

"I can't wait to get back up North and show the people of Manchester how much I have improved since the last time I was there. I have been inspired over the summer by the fighters in the Olympics, it has given me a new perspective and huge hunger to get back in ring.

"It has taken a bit of time to officially announce the fight. We want this to be a spectacular show, all the way up the card and it takes time to get these things right."

Joshua's last five bouts have come at London's O2 Arena, and he has not fought outside the capital since beating Zumbano Love in Birmingham in May 2015.

Joshua has fought in Manchester once before in his professional career, knocking out Konstantin Airich in the third round of their September 2014 bout.

Anthony Joshua celebrates winning the IBF world heavyweight belt on April 9, 2016
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