By Edward Chaykovsky
Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport has added the name of world title challenger Kubrat Pulev (24-1) to the list of names for Anthony Joshua's second defense of the IBF heavyweight title in November.
A few days ago, Matchroom Sport chairman Barry Hearn was very eager about the possibility of having Joshua (17-0, 17KOs) make the second defense of his world title former WBC champion Bermane Stiverne (25-2-1, 21KOs), who still stands as the only fighter to go the full distance with current WBC king Deontay Wilder (36-0, 35KOs).
Eddie Hearn confirms that his father and Stiverne's promoter Don King are discussing the proposed matchup.
Last month Joshua made the first defense of the belt with a seven round TKO of previously undefeated Dominic Breazeale. The hard puncher captured the title in April with a two round blowout of Charles Martin.
The mandatory challenger is Joseph Parker, who fights later this month and then again in September. Hearn wants Joshua to have one more fight before moving to the mandatory defense with Parker in early 2017.
"I let the old man [Barry Hearn] reach out to Don King last night and they discussed old times and also the possibility of Joshua v Stiverne for November," Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports.
"He is definitely an option and a great fight for Joshua. Although the mandatory isn't due next we may look to go straight into Joseph Parker and I have also discussed the possibility of Pulev with Kalle Sauerland. We are putting the feelers out over the next few weeks to secure the next move."
Parker (19-0, 16KOs) became the mandatory challenger with a points win over Carlos Takam in May. He is scheduled to fight Solomon Haumono in Christchurch on July 21.
