Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev make deadline to agree heavyweight title fight as Oleksandr Usyk waits
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said ‘everything is in play’ as he considers his prize fighter’s options
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev have until the end of January to agree to a world heavyweight title fight, or the Briton risks being stripped of his IBF belt.
Joshua has mandatory title defences against the Bulgarian Pulev and Ukranian fighter Oleksandr Usyk, who is next in line for a shot at his WBO crown, but Usyk could instead take on Derek Chisora in London while Joshua meets Pulev.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said “everything is in play” as he considers his prize fighter’s options.
“Conversations are ongoing with all parties to plan what’s next and it will really come to a head over the next few weeks,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“We are still awaiting clarification from the governing bodies to confirm who is chronologically next but right now everything is in play. In terms of Usyk versus Chisora that is still a potential outcome, but March 7 is unlikely. Instead we have March 28 on hold at the O2.”
A spokesperson for the IBF said: “I have just been told that the Pulev and Joshua camps have asked until January 31 to negotiate.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments