WBC International Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua Meets Manny Pacquiao

British professional boxer Anthony Joshua, who is the current World Boxing Council International Heavyweight Champion, has met Manny Pacquiao during the Filipino’s trip to England. Joshua tweeted a picture of him with Pacquiao on social media after the meeting.

“A good turn out at Fitzroy Lodge,” Joshua captioned the photo. “Nice to finally meet the ‘Pacman’ @MannyPacquiao #TeamAJ.”

Joshua was scheduled to defend his title in a clash against Kevin Johnson, which was initially set to be staged at The O2 Arena on Jan. 31. Unfortunately, he was forced to withdraw from the fight after suffering a pars stress fracture, which causes low back pain usually on just one side of the back, The Guardian reported. Joshua has now been advised to get rest.

It is anticipated that Joshua will return to fight on April 4 against an unnamed opponent at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearns said that Joshua aims to be back in training in early February, which would vie him enough time to condition his body for his April fight.

According to American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a pars stress fracture is generally self-limited and gets better with rest followed by rehabilitation. Thus, Joshua can successfully return to boxing in no time, with proper rest and treatment.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao was in England after he was invited by Prince Harry to dine with him before giving the Filipino a tour to the Buckingham Palace. Pacquiao was joined by his wife Jinky during the trip and later shared some snaps from his visit on his Instagram page.

The Filipino gave Prince Harry a signed pair of boxing gloves to express his gratitude for the invitation. Speaking about the trip, Pacquiao said it was a great experience, adding that Prince Harry was so nice and a humble person.

Pacquiao also had a chance to meet with former sparring mate Amir Khan while in London. Khan had been calling out for a fight with the Filipino in recent months. In a post, the Filipino eight-division world champion said that he and Khan had talked about a potential fight in London in the future.

To contact the author of this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.