Anthony Joshua will hope to win his first professional title when he takes on WBC International Heavyweight champion Denis Bakhtov at the O2 Arena on Saturday, October 11.

The Watford fighter returns to the venue he made his pro debut at to take on the Russian, who is a two-time holder of the title.

But first up for Joshua is Konstantin Airic. He faces the Kazakhstan boxer in an eight-round contest at the at the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester on Saturday, September 13.

“I believe that the time is right for Anthony to step up and fight for his first title,” Matchroom Sport promoter Eddie Hearn said.

“He has an important clash with Airich in Manchester in September, and when he comes through that, he will be ready to face Bakhtov in what promises to be a cracking contest.”