AJ is back on Wembley Way and North-East form men Josh Kelly and Lewis Ritson are in line to join him.
Anthony Joshua’s next two world title fights will be held at Wembley Stadium his promoters, Matchroom, have announced.
The IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO champion will defend his belts at the national stadium on September 22 and has committed to return there on April 13.
Joshua has packed out the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in his last two defences against Carlos Takam in October before adding Joseph Parker’s WBO belt.
That March date marked the appearance of Kelly (pictured above) on the undercard, outpointing tough Mexican Carlos Molina to win his first professional title in his sixth professional contest.
HIs 10-round points triumph for the WBA International welterweight belt was followed last month by a successful defence against Kris George in Newcastle, taking the Aussie’s Commonwealth title at the same time.
That was the same evening Ritson lifted the roof off the Metro Radio Arena by hammering the previously unbeaten Paul Hyland Jnr in the third defence of the British lightweight championship.
With Ritson expected to make an autumn return to his home Toon, the 24-year-old may not make the September AJ show.
However, it may be right up Kelly’s street, with the Sunderland boxer primed for another step up in standard if coach Adam Booth gets his way.
If Kelly does make the show, and ‘Pretty Boy’ is tailor-made for Sky Box Office.
Joshua says he is delighted to be back for his next two blockbuster nights.
“I am returning to Wembley after two mega fights in Cardiff,” said Joshua.
“I want to thank the supporters from Wales and Great Britain and also the people of London for patiently awaiting my return.
“Being north London born and raised it is in my blood.
“The opportunity to fight in such an iconic stadium is normally a once in career opportunity, so to be given the chance to fight there again is amazing.”
Words: Roy Kelly Pictures: Jennifer Charlton
