World Boxing Association mandates Anthony Joshua to fight Cuban Luiz Ortiz as Klitschko retires

NIGERIAN-born heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been mandated by the World Boxing Association (WBA) to defend his title against Cuba's Luis Ortiz pointing out that he has 30 days to reach a deal on the fight.

Joshua, 27, currently holds the WBA title as well as those of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the International Boxing Organisation (Ibo). He had been due to face Vladimir Klitschko in a rematch of their April bout that Joshua won via an 11th round knockout but the Ukrainian announced his sudden retirement yesterday.

In response, a WBA spokesman said: “Both parties, Joshua and Ortiz, were duly notified that as of August 3rd, they have 30 days to reach an agreement or the fight will be called to purse bids."

Ortiz, 38,  is also unbeaten, recording 23 knockouts in 27 career wins, and is a former WBA interim world champion. In addition, Joshua, undefeated in 19 bouts, has also been told he must face IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev of Bulgaria before December 2 or risk being stripped of that belt.

Former world champion Klitschko, who made 23 world title defences during his glittering career, has backed Joshua to lead the next generation of heavyweight fighters. He said: “My heart is at peace as I pass the torch Anthony Joshua, the next generation."