Anthony Joshua’s next opponent will be Kubrat Pulev, who is the IBF mandatory challenger, according to 112.international. Ukrainian heavyweight, Oleksandr Usyk was expected to be the next opponent for the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO champion, but the head of the promotion company, Top Rank Inc., Bob Arum told 112.international that they have settled for Pulev, who is the IBF mandatory challenger.
Arum said: “Yes, Pulev is going to be the next one. IBF’s history with mandatory defenses is in books. So Pulev fight would come first, and then – Usyk”.
Joshua and Pulev have 30 days to agree on the conditions of the bout. In this case, Usyk will fight against Dereck Chisora in March.Joshua prefers Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk over Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev, as his next opponent, VRinge informed.
“I consider both contenders real killers, very dangerous fighters. And I would prefer a fight with someone who is more dangerous. Despite the fact that they are both very good, Usyk has still achieved much more in boxing.
“He is the winner of the Olympic Games and former undisputed cruiserweight champion. He decided to move to heavyweight division. He has a good record. That is why I would like to fight him. He is really good,” Joshua said.
