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Eddie Hearn Confirms Talks Are Underway For Anthony Joshua's Next Opponent

Eddie Hearn Confirms Talks Are Underway For Anthony Joshua's Next Opponent

A rematch against Wladimir Klitschko was been nixed following his retirement from the sport.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Boxing is bidding farewell to a legend following Wladimir Klitschko's retirement.

It spells the end of an illustrious career which saw him bag an Olympic gold medal and numerous world titles. But where does this leave Anthony Joshua?

Promoter Eddie Hearn had been negotiating a rematch against the Ukrainian with a date in Las Vegas, Nevada, penciled in. Though his sudden retirement has nixed the potential bout.

With Klitschko out of the running, Hearn is now in talks for Joshua to defend his WBA and IBF world titles against Kubrat Pulev (25-1).

Pulev is set to get another crack at world honours. Image: PA

The Bulgarian is next in line as the IBF's mandatory challenger. Hearn is speaking with his promoter, Kalle Sauerland, ahead of securing a world title bout.

"When the IBF cleared the Klitschko rematch it was under the provision that if it's not Klitschko it must be Pulev, so we've already got talks in place with Kalle Sauerland," Hearn told Sky Sports.

Joshua beat Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in April to unify the heavyweight division in a thrilling 11-round fire fight. A rematch had been muted with various locations speculated.

Hearn has confirmed talks are underway for Joshua to fight Pulev. Image: PA

From Cardiff, Wales, to Lagos, Nigeria. Though after mulling over the decision, the 41-year-old has opted to call time on his career.

"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," Hearn added.

Joshua and Klitschko embrace after their grueling heavyweight title fight. Image: PA

Klitschko released a statement on his website this morning to announce his retirement. "I deliberately took a few weeks to make my decision, to make sure I had enough distance from the fight at Wembley Stadium."

"As an amateur and a professional boxer, I have achieved everything I dreamed of, and now I want to start my second career after sports.

I would have never imagined that I would have such a long and incredibly successful boxing career. I'm very thankful for this. Thanks to everyone who has always supported me, especially my family, my team and my many fans," the statement reads.

Enjoy retirement, Wladimir.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Wladimir Klitschko

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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