Boxing News

News

  • News
  • Podcast
  • Book Online
  • Watch Online
  • Pundits
  • Boxing on Sky
  • Video
  • Sky Bet
  • Get Sky Sports

Anthony Joshua wants his next fight to be in Cardiff

Last Updated: 18/08/17 7:56am

Anthony Joshua wants to stage his next fight in Cardiff's Principality Stadium because he wants to make it easier for his fans to attend.

The IBF's mandatory challenger, Kubrat Pulev, is the favourite to be his next opponent after Wladimir Klitschko announced his retirement instead of accepting a planned rematch in Las Vegas.

Joshua's camp remain hopeful Luis Ortiz, the mandatory challenger to his WBA title, and the governing body will remain patient so that he can honour a prior agreement with the IBF and Bulgaria's Pulev without being stripped.

Cardiff's Prinicipality Stadium is the favourite to stage Anthony Joshua's next fight
Cardiff's Prinicipality Stadium is the favourite to stage Anthony Joshua's next fight

Promoter Eddie Hearn has told Sky Sports News the 74,500-seater stadium in Wales is leading the list of locations for a possible date on October 28 and that is where Joshua wants to fight.

"I'm not turning Vegas down, I'd go, but for the people it's easier," Joshua said.

"My heart always tells me the UK, because a lot of people that have supported me since the amateurs are from here, and it gives them a chance to come down and watch a heavyweight title fight without having to travel.

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Kubrat Pulev will be Anthony Joshua's next opponent
Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Kubrat Pulev will be Anthony Joshua's next opponent

"I know people will always make the effort but sometimes you want to make it as easy as possible for them.

"Klitschko's unfortunately retired: it was a fight I was looking forward to again, but everything happens for a reason and now I have to go and compete with one of my mandatory challengers.

"My mandatory with Pulev has been ongoing for a year. The mandatory with Luis Ortiz has been going on for two months; I've had obligations in place for the past year. (The IBF) let me and Klitschko have a unification fight. We had to sign an agreement that straight after the Klitschko fight (I would fight Pulev), provided there's not a rematch."

Luis Ortiz is Anthony Joshua's mandatory challenger for his WBA title
Luis Ortiz is Anthony Joshua's mandatory challenger for his WBA title

Unbeaten Cuban Ortiz was named as Joshua's mandatory challenger for his WBA world title just hours after Klitschko announced his decision to retire.

Joshua insists he is happy to face the dangerous southpaw and has no problem taking on both of his mandatory challengers if one is willing to wait to face him.

"I'd fight Ortiz next if he was the next person in line before Pulev," he said. "My team, we sit down and talk, figure out what's best and move forward. I love fighting for the belts; it's history, but what's advised for me and my career in the long term has to be weighed up.

Kubrat Pulev is favourite to face Anthony Joshua next
Kubrat Pulev is favourite to face Anthony Joshua next

"I would definitely fight my two mandatories because they're exciting: it's just if one's patient or wants the belts now. People just say they want to fight me: they don't really want to fight me, just the rewards that come with fighting me. They'll get their turn.

Also See:

  • 'May/Mac unbelievable for MMA'
  • McGregor: 8oz means quick KO
  • Ringside
  • Toe 2 Toe

"As long as (boxing's political landscape) doesn't stop me from fighting. The rules and regulations have to be in place to make it interesting: no problem. If that's the case, if I have to get stripped, no problem at all."

Anthony Joshua was speaking as part of StubHub's The London Manathon campaign together with Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man. Tickets to see Eddie Hall at the Giants Live: Official World's Strongest Man Tour Finals are available on Stubhub.co.uk.

Trending

  • 1
    How do Liverpool and Man Utd styles compare?
  • 2
    Sir Alex: 'Running style' stopped Man Utd signing Henderson
  • 3
    Ozil nears Arsenal exit and set to join Fenerbahce
  • 4
    Klopp: Rare that games are absolutely perfect
  • 5
    Premier League predictions: Lampard to start fightback
  • 6
    How Parker is transforming Fulham
  • 7
    Root scores double ton before Sri Lanka dig in
  • 8
    Download Instructions
  • 9
    Klopp: A good time to play us? Let's see
  • 10
    Ralph Lauren dumps Thomas after homophobic slur
  • Video
  • Latest News
  • Home
  • Sports
    • Football
    • F1
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Rugby League
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • NFL
    • Olympics
    • Tennis
    • Racing
    • Darts
    • NBA
    • Netball
    • GAA
    • MMA
    • More Sports
  • Scores
  • Video
  • TV
  • Sky Bet
  • Games
  • More
    • Transfer Centre
    • Live on Sky
    • Get Sky Sports
    • TV Shows
    • TV Guide
    • Competitions
    • Sky Go
    • Now TV
    • Kick It Out
    • Black Lives Matter
    • Podcasts
    • Mobile
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Contact Us
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Sky Sports
    • Get Sky Sports
    • Sky Sports Apps
    • Sportinglife.com
    • TEAMtalk.com
    • Football365.com
  • Partners
    • Sky Bet
    • Fantasy Football
    • Super 6
    • Planet Rugby
    • Golf365
    • Planet F1
    • Cricket365
  • Sky Sports Channels
    • Sky Sports Main Event
    • Sky Sports Premier League
    • Sky Sports Football
    • Sky Sports Cricket
    • Sky Sports Golf
    • Sky Sports Racing
    • Sky Sports F1
    • Sky Sports NFL
    • Sky Sports Arena
    • Sky Sports News
    • Sky Sports Mix
  • More Sky Sites
    • Sky.com
    • Sky News
    • Sky Group
    • Sky For Businesses
    • NOW TV
    • Sky Communal TV
    • Bigger Picture
    • Store Locator
    • Work for Sky
    • Advertise With Us
    • Sky TV Accessories
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy & Cookies Notice
  • Privacy Options
  • Accessibility Information
  • Contact Us

©2021 Sky UK