Anthony Joshua MBE will face Jason Gavern at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on April 4, live on Sky Sports.
Joshua is returning to the ring following a back injury and takes on the colourful American over eight rounds as Matchroom Boxing land in the north east with a bang.
The Olympic gold medal hero has blasted out all ten of his professional foes inside three rounds and the 25 year old is itching to get back into the ring after a four month absence.
“I can’t wait to get into the ring in Newcastle,” said Joshua. “It’s been frustrating being out of action but the injury has totally healed up and I will be firing on all cylinders next Saturday.
“Fans in the north east are mad about sport and I am sure it’s going to be a great atmosphere – I plan to put on a show for them.”
Gavern had success in previous outing in England where he defeated Larry Olubamiwo and former World champion James Toney to reach the Prizefighter UK vs. USA Heavyweights final in November 2013, where he was edged out by Michael Sprott. The Florida man provided a test for Joshua’s fellow hot Heavyweight talent from across the pond Deontay Wilder in August, and the American is planning to give Joshua a tough night.
“I’m excited to return to the UK,” said Gavern. “I had a great time in and out of the ring at Prizefighter and the fans were great. Anthony Joshua is a great talent but I’m confident I have the experience and have operated at a much higher level. Either way, we are going to find out plenty about AJ next week in Newcastle.
“I love fighting in the UK and England in particular as the boxing fans are so knowledgeable and passionate about the sport.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “It’s great to see Anthony return from injury and I’m looking forward to seeing him face Jason in Newcastle. It’s a nice test on his return, Gavern has plenty of experience but Anthony has plenty of frustration to let out and north east boxing fans can expect an explosive performance in Newcastle next week.”
Joshua’s clash with Gavern is part of a big night of action in Newcastle where South Shield’s Anthony Nelson faces Dundee’s Jamie Wilson for the vacant Commonwealth Super Flyweight title.
Local favourite Jon-Lewis Dickinson challenges Stephen Simmons for the Scotsman’s WBC International Silver Cruiserweight title, and there’s a family feel on the bill with Jon-Lewis’ brother Travis in action.
Jeff Saunders makes his pro debut and there’s a host of unbeaten local talent on the bill with unbeaten Cruiserweight Simon Vallily, Light Heavyweight Jordan King, plus a debut for Lewis Ritson and a second pro outing for Scotland’s Commonwealth gold medallist Charlie Flynn.
Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £60 and £100 from the Metro Radio Arena at www.metroradioarena.co.uk and on 0844 493 6666.
