(LONDON) Former English world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will face his compatriot Dillian Whyte on August 12 in a rematch at the O2 Arena in London, the promoters of this poster announced on Thursday.

Joshua, 33, remains on an unconvincing points win over American Jermaine Franklin in April that revived him after two straight losses to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Protracted negotiations between Joshua and WBC champion Tyson Fury over a potential lucrative fight have once again fallen through and he has been offered to face Whyte, whom he beat in 2015 in a contest. passionate about the British and Commonwealth title.

“I was clear that my plan (was) to be active this year. August 12th is when I will be ready to fight,” Joshua said alongside his historic promoter Eddie Hearn.

Whyte, 35, also remains on a win over the same Franklin at Wembley last November, seven months after his sixth-round loss to undisputed champion Fury at Wembley in April 2022.

If successful against Whyte, Joshua is tipped to next face Deontay Wilder in another lucrative heavyweight clash.