Champion Anthony Joshua. —File photo.
According to the British newspaper Mirror, the undefeated Brit has been ordered by the IBF to face Pulev, the mandatory challenger, after a rematch with Klitschko was cancelled because the latter retired.
Joshua recently TKOed Klitschko in the 11th round at Wembley in April. If Joshua ups his record to 20-0, that could mean a lucrative unification bout against New Zealander WBO champion Joseph Parker, who takes on either Hughie Fury in Manchester on September 23 or WBC champ Deontay Wilder.