Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed he was trying to secure Pulev as the next opponent for Joshua when the former Olympic gold medallist returns to Manchester in the fall, although the Bulgarian has fallen down the pecking order with Betway recently.
Canadian former WBC title holder Bermane Stiverne has overtaken Pulev, with mandatory Joseph Parker in second place.
Betway’s Alan Alger told World Boxing News: “Eddie Hearn has mentioned a possible matchup with Kubrat Pulev for some time but he’s weak in the market to be Anthony Joshua’s next opponent at 11/4.
“The betting suggests both Joseph Parker and Bermane Stiverne are more likely propositions, with the latter favourite to secure the bought at evens. Stiverne packs plenty of power and would be a good test for young Joshua’s chin. Similarly the 37-year-old knows how to absorb a punch and should make for a testing fight.”
Making Joshua v Stiverne would have no implications for a potential match-up between Joseph Parker and David Price as the co-feature, although a match-up between Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte remains a doubt.
Hearn wants to put all three heavyweight clashes of the bill for Manchester Arena and may need to persuade Stiverne to ditch an interim WBC clash with Alexander Povetkin to go straight for the title in Joshua’s possession.
