Anthony Joshua lines up Luis Ortiz after Eric Molina and Wladimir Klitschko bouts

Luis called out Joshua earlier in the week

Jack Austin
Thursday 10 November 2016 16:31 GMT
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Anthony Joshua, pictured, will fight Charles Martin for the IBF world heavyweight title
Anthony Joshua, pictured, will fight Charles Martin for the IBF world heavyweight title (Getty)

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Anthony Joshua is eyeing a fight with Luis Ortiz next year, but only if he comes through Eric Molina and Wladimir Klitschko unscathed.

The IBF world champion puts his title, and unbeaten record, on the line against Molina on December 10 after a deal to face Klitschko fell through because of confusion over what belts they would be fighting for.

Instead, the pair are likely to fight early next year with the IBF title, should Joshua prevail against Molina, and the WBA super title both scheduled to be on the line.

Ortiz was signed by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, who also represent Joshua, and called out the 27-year-old, with Joshua is keen to touch gloves with Cuban-born boxer.

"I see how that is going to unfold. That's another fight, for me, that is no problem,” Joshua told Sky Sports.

"Hopefully I defeat Klitschko and then I can fight Luis Ortiz. I will be watching him for sure because he is a competitor in the division that I could face sooner or later, so I have to put him as a priority.

"If we fight Ortiz, it would be a good scrap because I like fighting southpaws. I've got a powerful right hand that I could whip into the body or straight to the head.

"It will be a good challenge and a good name to have on the record at some stage, but first let's focus on The Drummer Boy, Eric Molina."

Luis Ortiz is unbeaten with 25 wins and 22 knockouts
Luis Ortiz is unbeaten with 25 wins and 22 knockouts (Getty)

Ortiz, nicknamed ‘King Kong’, faces Malik Scott in Monte Carlo this weekend but wasted no time in challenging the biggest names in the heavyweight division.

"I'm willing to fight anyone, any champion, any place, any time. I'm ready for anyone: Joshua, Wilder, Klitschko. I know I can beat all of them."

"In my eyes, I am the heavyweight champion of the world, and if anyone, any other champion, is willing to challenge me, to face me, I can and will prove it."

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