Klitschko, 37, has been pitted against the Bulgarian on the back of his easy victory over the WBO’s stipulated challenger Alex Leapai and will now face Pulev within the next three months.
IBF Chairman Lindsey Tucker confirmed the news to World Boxing News on Tuesday by saying: “The IBF held a Purse Bid in the office today for the Heavyweight mandatory defense between Wladimir Klitschko vs. Kubrat Pulev.
“K2 Promotions bid $7,250,131.00 and Sauerland bid $5,290,144.00, meaning K2 won the bid and has 90 days to put the fight on.”
Pulev is unbeaten in 20 contests since turning pro in 2009 and has stopped eleven of his opponents in an impressive run to what will be his defining night against the world’s premiere heavyweight.
Victory over Alexander Dimitrenko in 2012 sealed his place as the next in line, but due to Klitschko holding the WBA, WBO and IBO belts, the 33 year-old has been forced to wait his turn and has since beaten Tony Thompson, amongst others.
The fight is certain to take place in Germany in the autumn as Klitsckho aims to continue his streak at the top of the sport and potentially move on to what he hopes will be a WBC title chance in the near future.
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