Joshua seeks one more go with Klitschko

IBF, WBA and IBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua says he is eager for a rematch with Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko after April’s thrilling bout but will face Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev if Klitschko decides to retire.

Joshua beat Klitschko after 11 rounds to extend his unbeaten streak to 19 fights, and a clause in their contracts allows the defeated fighter to ask for a rematch. But the 41-year-old is yet to make decision about his future. The 27-year-old has to fight Pulev, who is the mandatory challenger for the IBF title, and Joshua is ready to fight the 36year-old if the Klitschko rematch does not take place.

“The ball is in Klitschko’s court,” Joshua told Sky Sports.

“It is up to him whether he wants to have a rematch or whether he says, ‘You know what, that’s enough’.

“But I think, whatever he decides to do, we all respect him, and plan B would be to look at the option with Pulev, and where we would fight him and the options available for the Pulev fight. So either it will be Klitschko, which would be great, or Pulev, which would be great. I am not bothered either way.”

The Briton is hopeful that a showdown in Las Vegas will tempt Klitschko to opt for a rematch.

“Vegas – it is the Mecca of boxing, and this is an opportunity,” said Joshua.

“People wouldn’t mind travelling, and it is a nice big hurrah for himself. He has achieved so much, does he have the motivation? I think Vegas will get his blood boiling again.” — Reuters