Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight title defence against Kubrat Pulev is likely to be his last fight in Britain for at least a year.
The mandatory defence of Joshua’s IBF title against Bulgarian opponent at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on October 28 has been confirmed.
But his promoter Eddie Hearn is already planning ahead. And if the defence against Pulev is successful, the champion is likely to head to America to slug it out with the winner of the proposed meeting between WBC champion Deontay Wilder and the Cuban Luis Ortiz – possibly in Las Vegas next March.
According to STANDARD, another date abroad could follow that with Hear stressing that Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, is keen to be a truly global champion, with the boxer’s corporate team also keen to extend his marketing appeal.
Joshua,27, risked being stripped of the IBF belt if he did not agree to meet 36-year-old Pulev. His WBA and WBO belts are also likely to be on the line and the night is sure to be an 80,000 sell-out.
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Joshua said:” October 28 can’t come soon enough. I have been eager to get back in the ring and now we are confirmed, l’ll be locked away focussing on fight number 20for the next eight weeks .I aim to give the fans a spectular night”.
Pulev said his and Joshua’s styles would combine to make a great fight. He said: ”Anthony is a formidable opponent. We will not hug and hold, we will not run – we will stand and fight. I will be perfectly ready, so he will have no chance.”
