Eddie Hearn has confirmed that they've been given an extension by the IBF to organise a fight between Anthony Joshua and mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.

The initial date was set at the end of this month, but Hearn has revealed that they've been given a two-week extension, which means they now have until February 14 to finalise the fight.

Not only that, but the promoter also admitted that the deal was close to being finalised and that the fight is extremely likely to take place in the UK.

Joshua's last two fights have been away from England, one taking place in America in the summer, and the other taking place in Saudi Arabia back in December.

Both these fights were against Mexican heavyweight Andy Ruiz Jr, with one ending in defeat for AJ, and the other ending in victory.

Since reclaiming his titles last month, a lot has been said about his future plans, with Pulev and Oleksandr Usyk the likely contenders. Both being mandatory challengers.

However, it looks like it will be Pulev first, which could then lead to a meet with Usyk later in the year.

Boxing fans will then be hopeful that a dream fight with Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury takes place at the back end of 2020, or early 2021.

With regards to AJ vs Pulev, it's thought that Wembley Stadium could be considered, but the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium is another venue that could make its boxing debut, as well as the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal.

Giving the latest update on Joshua's next opponent, Hearn told Sky Sports: "It's close and if it was proving difficult to make, we would go into purse bids now at this stage, or they would order it.

"We spoke to the camps and they basically said we need another two weeks and we'll have it finalised.

"Almost certainly that will be AJ's next fight and almost certainly in the UK.

"The main issue we have is Pulev wants to make as much money for that fight as he can. There isn't as much money for that fight in the UK as there is elsewhere, but AJ has given me the instruction that I boxed in New York, I boxed in Saudi, I would like to do this one in the UK.

"Spurs, Emirates, Cardiff, Twickenham, everywhere is in play, but most likely end of May, early June. Joshua-Pulev in the UK."