After Anthony Joshua was able to regain his world title in a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. in December of last year, the Briton will now be defending his title in a few months.  It looks like Joshua will face IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev in the UK in April or May.  Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed this to several media outlets.

Eddie Hearn: "The main problem is that Pulev wants to make as much money as possible!"

Since Anthony Joshua (23-1-0, 21 Ko’s) was able to retaliate for his only defeat in the rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr., there has been wild speculation about the future plans of the 30-year-old heavyweight world champion.  But as its promoter Eddie Hearn has now spoken up, Joshua will first step into the ring against IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.

Eddie Hearn: “Kubrat Pulev has been number 1 at the IBF for a long time - so he deserves this fight.  The main problem is that Pulev wants to make as much money as possible!  Anthony asked me to have this fight take place in the UK.  I assume that it will come to this in May or June. "

In insider circles, London or Cardiff is traded as the venue.  Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev were supposed to meet in 2017 in the rope area, but a short-term injury at Pulev thwarted the fight.  True to the motto 'postponed is not canceled', Kubrat Pulev should now have a second chance at the World Cup.

The 38-year-old Bulgarian was in the ring in his only World Championship fight against Wladimir Klitschko in November 2014 in Hamburg.  At that time Pulev lost by knockout on round five.  Since then, "Die Kobra" has played eight fights (including against Derek Chisora ​​and Hughie Fury; editor's note), all of which the former Sauerland boxer won.  It is still unclear whether Pulev coach Ulli Wegner will be in the corner of the ring at the upcoming Joshua Fight.  The German coach legend is currently recovering from a fractured femur.