Anthony Joshua likely to fight Pulev after Klitschko retires

Following the retirement of Wladimir Klitschko, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, has revealed that there was always a backup plan in case the Ukrainian was unable to fight Anthony Joshua.

Hearn told Sky Sports News that his team had prepared for the eventuality that Klitschko might not fight the heavyweight champion.

He said Kubrat Pulev is the likely next opponent of Joshua.

“When the IBF cleared the Klitschko rematch it was under the proviso that if it’s not Klitschko it must be Pulev, so we’ve already got talks in place with Kalle Sauerland,” Hearn said.

“Part of me is quite pleased we can move forward and draw a line under this.

“There was always the worry with Klitschko’s age that we could announce the fight and he could get injured in camp, various bits and pieces like that.

“At Anthony’s stage of his career, as young as he is, he’s really raring to go already.

“He’s been ticking over in the gym, he wants to start his camp and he’s been calling me every day saying ‘will he take the fight?’

“Now finally we’ve got an answer, so I think fight fans are going to see an announcement sooner than they would have seen with a Klitschko fight.

“A line’s drawn, we can move on with our mandatory challenger and move towards more belts in the division.”

“It’s unusual to bow out on a loss where you’ve probably gained more respect for that loss than you have for your entire career.

“I think that’s probably one of the driving factors that’s made him say ‘I’m going to bow out after an epic night. The way he acted in and out of the ring – he’s a really nice man.

“Part of me, as much as I wanted to go to Las Vegas for this fight, is also pleased for Wladimir Klitschko that he can leave this sport with a very healthy bank account and, more importantly, with his health intact after a great career.”

Likely next opponents of Anthony Joshua

Kubrat Pulev

Deontay Wilder

Luis Ortiz

Dillian Whyte

Hughie Fury

Joseph Parker