Joshua announces next title defence

Anthony Joshua will defend his world heavyweight titles against Bulgarian boxer Kubrat Pulev on October 28.

Joshua beat Wladimir Klitschko at London's Wembley Stadium in April to add the WBA belt to his IBF title. Pulev is the mandatory challenger for Joshua's IBF belt and will fight for it in Cardiff, Wales.

"October 28 can't come soon enough. I have been eager to get back in the ring since Wembley and now we are confirmed and ready,'' Joshua said on Tuesday.

"I'll be locked away focusing on fight No. 20 for the next eight weeks. I am excited to experience the atmosphere in a sold out Principality Stadium and aim to give the fans a spectacular night,'' Joshua said.

The 27-year-old Joshua is 19-0, winning every fight by knockout, since turning professional in 2013 after winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics.

The only loss of Pulev's 26-fight career came against Klitschko in 2015, but the 36-year-old Pulev has won his last five fights. The Bulgarian was the 2008 super-heavyweight European champion as an amateur before turning professional in 2009.

"Anthony is a formidable opponent,'' Pulev said.

"My preparation will be very intense, and I will be perfectly ready when I enter the ring so that he will have no chance to beat me.''

 

 

Photo by: ANDREW COULDRIDGE/REUTERS Caption: British boxing champ Anthony Joshua.