By Terence Dooley

Anthony Joshua, 10-0 (10), will face America’s Jason Gavern, 26-19-4 (11), at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on April 4th. Eddie Hearn confirmed the opponent when speaking to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle. It is Joshua’s first fight of 2015, a back injury ruled the 25-year-old Olympic Gold Medallist out of a meeting with America’s Kevin Johnson in January—the contest has been rescheduled for May 30 at London's O2 Arena.



Gavern, 37, has fought Deontay Wilder (L RTD 4), Lucas Brown (L TKO 3) and held Jonathon Banks to a draw in 2010. The 37-year-old is no stranger to the U.K.; he appeared in 2013’s Prizefighter: The Heavyweights, earning an upset win over U.S. legend James Toney before losing to Michael Sprott in the competition's final.



“It's going to be Jason Gavern, the American who we saw over here recently in Prizefighter,” said Hearn when confirming the opponent. “He's a very experienced American, quite entertaining. He's a bit of a character too so it should be good fun. We're delighted that Joshua can make the fight coming back from his back injury which was a little bit worrying. He's had a good camp and he's excited about fighting in the North East.”

Joshua said: "I can’t wait to get into the ring in Newcastle. 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 said: "I'm excited to return to the UK. I had a great time in and out of the ring at Prizefighter and the fans were great. Anthony Joshua is a big 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."

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