Anthony Joshua vs. Dominic Breazeale: Fight Date Announced, Comments, Reaction

Anthony Joshua will defend his IBF world heavyweight title against Dominic Breazeale on June 25.

The news was confirmed by his promoter Eddie Hearn on Monday:

Joshua won his title on April 9 with a knockout victory over Charles Martin. He revealed his anticipation for the bout on Twitter and hinted at an exciting undercard for the fight, something Hearn also added to:

Per BBC Sport, Joshua said: "I am looking to get past Breazeale in style. It's sure to be explosive, both of us like to let our hands go and score knockouts. We are both undefeated."

Breazeale is unbeaten in his 17 fights but had to pick himself up off the canvas in his victory over Amir Mansour in January, which he won when the 43-year-old retired in the fifth round.

Boxing writer Matthew Bevan and journalist Jasveer Singh Gill were unimpressed with his selection as Joshua's first title defence:

"

Breazeale is dreadful and as a straight forward a defence as possible for Joshua. Another indicator on how bad some rankings are #boxing

— Matthew Bevan (@MBevs68) April 25, 2016"

However, as Boxing Monthly's Mark Butcher noted, there were few options available to Joshua:

Further, boxing journalist Declan Taylor offered a reminder that even the Sweet Science's greats faced their share of uninspiring challengers:

Joshua has been thoroughly impressive in his 16 knockouts and won all but one of them inside the first three rounds, but it's arguable the American—ranked only the 19th best heavyweight in the world right now by BoxingRec—represents one of several safe opponents he has faced.

The 26-year-old dispatched Martin with incredible ease, scoring a second-round knockout in a straightforward encounter, per Matchroom Boxing:

The likes of Raphael Zumbano Love and Kevin Johnson never looked likely to provide a serious challenge to his unbeaten record, either, despite the latter having one of his own.

Indeed, boxing coach Peter Fury was party to Johnson's training ahead of the fight and told Boxing News: "When he was in our facility, I didn’t see any desire. He’s just in it for the money and he has gone downhill quite a lot recently. Johnson was a great fighter and has seen some great years, but he’s over the hill now, there’s no desire there."

Joshua should have little trouble defending his title here ahead of potential clashes with compatriots David Haye and Tyson Fury.

It is when he faces one or both of them—Fury in particular—that will show just how good he really is.