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Boxing: Joshua,Hearn hold talks with Usyk’s agent in London

...as champion continues search for next fight

British heavyweight, Anthony Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn have been pictured in London with Oleksandr Usyk’s manager Alexander Krassyuk.

Joshua is currently choosing whether to fight Usyk – mandatory challenger for his WBO belt – or Kubrat Pulev – mandatory challenger for his IBF belt – but the latest
pictures would suggest the 30-year-old is leaning towards a match with the Ukranian.

Joshua, who holds four world heavyweight titles, posted a photo of the trio on his Instagram story with the caption: ‘Good to catch up with Eddie Hearn, Alexander
Krassyuk and 258 management. Talking all things boxing #JoshuavsUsyk.’
However, Pulev appeared to confirm he will face Joshua at Beskitas’ Vodafone Arena stadium in Istanbul in May by posting a fight poster on his Facebook page on Thursday.

Joshua’s situation is complex. He has been given until the end of the month to agree terms with the Bulgarian and will be stripped of his IBF belt if he fails to do so.

Similarly, Joshua was ordered to fight Usyk by the WBO within 180 days of his December victory over Andy Ruiz Jr and will be stripped of the organisation’s belt if he refuses to comply.

Sportsmail understands that nothing has been signed despite reports claiming the fight with Pulev has already been agreed.

Joshua and Pulev were due to meet at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium back in October 2017 but the Bulgarian was replaced by Carlos Takam at late notice after being forced out of the fight due to an injury.

Read Also:Anthony Joshua has until January 31 to agree terms to fight Pulev

But while Joshua and Pulev have history, Joshua and Usyk are both attached to Hearn’s promotional company Matchroom Boxing, theoretically making a fight easier to arrange.

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