Anthony Joshua’s (19-0, 19 KOs) next title defense is likely now set in stone as he will have to face top IBF contender Kubrat Pulev (25-1, 13 KOs). The IBF is very strict on their mandatories and will not grant exceptions for even stars like Joshua. Eddie Hearn will probably be grateful for the softer touch, anyway, though Pulev is not a bad fighter by any means.
Both Joshua and Pulev fought last weekend. Joshua, of course, beat Wladimir Klitschko while Pulev stayed busy in his native Bulgaria with a win over journeyman Kevin Johnson. Accordingly this should be an easy fight to make in terms of timing. While this is not the superfight everyone is hoping for, Kubrat Pulev is a perfectly credible world title challenger. At worst he is the #7 heavyweight in my view.
Eddie Hearn has talked a lot recently about taking Joshua abroad like Don King and Bob Arum used to do with their top heavyweights. I am not sure why as Joshua is a cash cow in the UK, but if Hearn really wants to do that this is the kind of fight he could stick in Africa or where ever. Australia would be interesting given the potential fight with New Zealand’s heavyweight titlist Joseph Parker down the road.
The only thing that could stop this fight from happening would be Joshua vacating in favor of a Klitschko rematch. Wlad doesn’t really sound like he wants it, but if he says he does Joshua may either prefer it or be contractually obligated to put that fight on.
No potential date for the bout has been discussed yet.
