Anthony Joshua
Joshua has not fought since the seventh-round stoppage of Dominic Breazeale. Getty Images

Anthony Joshua, the IBF world heavyweight champion, will make the second defence of his title on 26 November against an as yet unnamed opponent. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed the Briton will return to competitive action before the end of the year, however the identity of the challenger and the venue has yet to be confirmed.

The 26-year-old successfully defended the IBF crown, won from Charles Martin, against Dominic Breazeale and has been enjoying a well-earned rest after becoming the fifth fastest man to claim a world heavyweight title. Joshua has a 100% knock-out record from his 17 professional bouts and that perfect record will face another test before the turn of the year.

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New Zealander Joseph Parker is the mandatory challenger for Joshua's belt and is the leading candidate for the November fight. However, any clash could be put back until 2017 to allow Joshua an interim challenge. Promoter Hearn told Sky Sports: "26 November is the date for your diary. We are changing city. The opponent and venue will be confirmed in the next few weeks."

Joshua's last five fights have each been at London's O2 Arena but he will move venues for the first time in over a year. The Manchester Arena and Birmingham's Barclaycard Arena could potentially host the Watford-born fighter.

The Olympic gold medallist from London 2012 has been working with BBC Sport during Rio 2016, where Nicola Adams, Joe Joyce and Joshua Buatsi all claimed medals for Team GB. Returning to the scene of his first major triumph, Joshua says he has been reinvigorated by British success in Brazil.

"I can take so much inspiration away from here," he told BBC Sport. "I am waiting for my coach to come back to me and tell me who I am going to be competing against [in November] but I know for sure it isn't going to be a points decision, we're going for knockouts. That's what I stand by now and walking away from here it's knockout season so whoever it is I'm looking forward to putting on a great display of boxing."