Anthony Joshua's team have responded to recent reports claiming his next fight will be against Martin Bakole in Africa.

The promoter of Martin Bakole that's what I want to be known as. The number one heavyweight in the world. It's done. I'm hearing he's signed an

Joshua and Bakole have been linked with one another for a number of years, with Bakole claiming he had ‘AJ’ hurt during an infamous sparring session. Bakole’s promoter Ben Shalom spoke about the proposed match-up last week, stating that the fight between ‘AJ’ and Bakole has already been signed.

Ben Shalom has revealed that a blockbuster clash between Martin Bakole and Anthony Joshua is ‘done’. Shalom was in attendance for Adam Azim’s victory over Sergey Lipinets on

Eddie Hearn has on Wednesday denied reports that Anthony Joshua's next opponent and fight has been agreed upon.

Anthony Joshua is likely to fight twice this year as he looks to bounce back from a fourth career loss. ‘AJ’s latest defeat came at the hands of Daniel Dubois as he attempted to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.

In a development that could echo the historic Rumble in the Jungle, discussions are underway for a high-profile heavyweight bout between former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua and rising contender Martin Bakole.

Anthony Joshua's return to boxing could be announced in the coming weeks with Martin Bakole fancying his chances. It comes after Tyson Fury made the shock decision to retire earlier this year, throwing AJ's plans out the window.