Anthony Joshua vs Pulev could be delayed by a month due to coronavirus as Hearn reveals plan to stage fight in July

ANTHONY JOSHUA has a back-up July date if coronavirus KOs his June 20 clash with Kubrat Pulev.

Britain’s WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight ring is supposed to defend his belts against his Bulgarian mandatory challenger at Tottenham’s new ground.

But, following Boris Johnson’s grim speech on Monday night, The British Boxing Board of Control has cancelled all bouts until April and AJ has a Plan-B in case that ban is extended.

Joshua’s Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has been in talks with the Premier League side, who are out of action until April too, about pushing the clash back a month.

Hearn said: "A requirement for Anthony in his next fight, a necessity for him, was to box in the UK.

“June 20 is a long time away, it's still in our plans. We have been speaking to Tottenham and making sure that we're all on the same page.

"For the Anthony Joshua fight, there are already potential plans to move that fight back to July.

"We do have a potential date for that, but right now, hoping June 20 can remain the date."

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Hearn was open to hosting some of his smaller shows behind closed doors but ruled out heavyweight cards including AJ, Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora being staged without bumper crowds.

But the BBBofC has ruled out the idea of running cards without crowds as they would still need crucial medical and emergency staff on site.

And Hearn hopes the Premier League’s decision to postpone until April 3 is a positive sign for the rest of the nation’s favourite sports.

Hearn, who has postponed cards scheduled for March 28, April 4 and 11, said: “We know we have the same strategy moving forward.

“Obviously the Premier League decision will play a big part in a number of sports.

“There are plans to put new dates in place and the AJ fight as well.”