The WBA have ordered Anthony Joshua to defend his title against the Cuban Luis Ortiz.
WBA, IBF and IBO world champion Joshua was linked to a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, but the Ukrainian’s retirement yesterday has prompted the WBA to make Ortiz the mandatory challenger for the Briton.
“Both parties (Joshua and Ortiz) were duly notified that, as of 3 August, they have 30 days to reach an agreement or the fight will be called to purse bids,” the WBA said in a statement.
The IBF have also stated that Joshua, 27, must clash with Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev before 2 December of 2017, or be stripped of his title.
Both Joshua and Ortiz are unbeaten, the Briton in 19 bouts, the Cuban in 27.
