Kubrat Pulev is almost sure to be Anthony Joshua’s next opponent after it was made mandatory by the IBF.

Negotiations, however, are currently teetering on the fight’s location.

Joshua’s camp would prefer their fighter to have a UK homecoming after Joshua fought abroad twice last year (America and Saudi Arabia) in his two bouts with Andy Ruiz Jr.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is said to be the most likely venue for the fight.

This, however, has led to Pulev mocking AJ, stating that:

"Calm down the champ, I see that you are very worried to fight away from home and you are absolutely right to be ha-ha!”

Pulev followed this up by saying that he isn’t afraid of the fight taking place in London and that he is ready to ‘bust’ AJ up in front of his fans.

Pulev also made comments on Eddie Hearn stating that a deal for the two to fight is “very close.”

Pulev replied to this by telling AJ not to let Eddie Hearn get ahead of himself as a deal has not been made yet.

Eddie Hearn, whilst speaking to Sky Sports News, revealed that they have had a lot of offers from abroad to host the fight, including the likes of America, Africa and the Middle East.

However, the promoter has said AJ has made it clear he wishes to 'come home' and fight in the UK and has told Hearn to forget the other offers.

Joshua was originally meant to face Pulev in 2017 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff but Pulev withdrew from the fight with injuries.

Pulev has also only ever lost one fight in 29, which was to Wladimir Klitschko but since this, he has gone on defeat Hughie Fury and Derek Chisora.

Pulev isn’t Joshua’s only mandatory challenger - Oleksandr Usyk is behind Pulev in the queue to fight AJ.

Usyk is expected to fight Derek Chisora before he receives his shot at AJ’s titles.

Eddie Hearn commented on this matter saying:

“It looks like Usyk against Chisora is almost there. Its going to take place a few weeks later than anticipated.”

Hearn further stated that terms were ‘agreed’ for Dillian Whyte to fight Alexander Povetkin.

With many wanting to see a fight go-ahead between AJ and the winner of the Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury rematch, it seems like we will have to wait till perhaps next year to see that fight go ahead as Joshua, for now, must get past his two mandatory challengers.