Anthony Joshua vs. Jason Gavern: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info

Anthony Joshua will make his return from injury on Saturday when he takes on Jason Gavern in Newcastle, England.

The Watford-born heavyweight has not been seen in a ring so far in 2015, as his plans for the year were put on hold because of a stress fracture of the back.

The setback denied him the chance to face Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson in January, though that bout is now scheduled to take place at the end of May instead.

Before then, however, Joshua has to get past another American heavyweight in Gavern.

The fight is the major attraction on a bill that lost local favourite Bradley Saunders. The super lightweight had to withdraw from his shot at the Commonwealth belt after being forced to have hand surgery.

When: Saturday, April 4 at 10 p.m. BST

Where: Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, England

TV: Sky Sports

Live Stream: Sky Sports (region restricted)

Good to be back

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Joshua (10-0, 10 KO) was a busy man last year, fighting seven times at a number of different venues across Britain.

The last of those outings in 2014 saw him flatten compatriot Michael Sprott—a former European title challenger who was admittedly past his best by the time he stepped between the ropes—inside a single round.

However, the injury setback has led to a frustrating period in Joshua's fledging pro career, as he explained to Matchroom Boxing:

"

I was on a roll and there was great momentum, but I think I can pick that up again.

I wanted to fight but people were telling me not to and of course they were right.

It will be great to fight in another massive city in the UK. I expect the atmosphere is going to be fantastic, the fans up there love their sport and I am really looking forward to doing my thing for them.

"

Of course, it is easy to stay busy when you make a habit of putting rivals away in a hurry.

Joshua has yet to get beyond the third round in his 10 fights and will be pleased to have an outing before he goes up against the experienced Johnson at the O2 Arena in London.

It will be a good chance for him to blow away the cobwebs, as well as blow away another opponent.

Sparring sessions

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Gavern (26-19-4, 11 KO) has not had long to prepare for the tough task of facing Joshua—he was only confirmed on the card with just over a week to spare.

The two fighters have actually faced each other before, albeit in sparring.

The 37-year-old told James Slater of Boxing News that it was a painful experience, admitting: "He's so heavy handed. Sparring with him sucked, I'm not going to lie to you. I was sore, my body hurt. Every time he hit me it hurt, and that was with bigger gloves on."

He has, at least, fought recently. The Orlando-based boxer was beaten on points by Gerald Washington on March 13 in California.

Gavern has experience fighting in England, too. He was one of eight men to take part in Prizefighter: UK vs. USA International Heavyweights in November 2013.

The Sensation defeated Larry Olubamiwo and James Toney to reach the final, though he missed out on the winner-takes-all prize when he suffered a point defeat at the hands of Sprott.

Gavern then returned home to face Deontay Wilder, taking the reigning WBC heavyweight champion four rounds before retiring.

Prediction

Gavern is a realist, and with a lack of time to prepare for such a daunting task, he is on a hiding to nothing.

It does not help his cause that Joshua will be eager to make up for lost time, though in truth, his fights never last that long anyway.

Expect Joshua to move to 11-0 with another routine stoppage, though his opponent should at least make it through to hear the bell at the end of the first round.

With his unbeaten record still intact, Joshua can then focus on Johnson, who should offer him the toughest test of his career to date when the two go toe-to-toe on May 30.