Dereck Chisora vs. Kubrat Pulev confirmed for EBU title fight

Dereck Chisora's adventure continues.

Two weeks ago, we passed along word that Dereck Chisora vs. Anthony Joshua was in play for the EBU title formerly held by Erkan Teper, with Joshua replacing Robert Helenius. "Del Boy" wound up rejecting Matchroom Boxing's terms, however, and as a result will instead face former title challenger Kubrat Pulev at a date and location to be determined.

Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, called "duck," while Kalle Sauerland claimed dissatisfaction with the offered money.

After the EBU confirmed Chisora v Pulev on their website, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports: "It won't be Dereck next.

"We spoke with Chisora and his team who clearly didn't want the fight so we moved on very quickly - we can't afford to get slowed in getting things down and will announce AJ's next opponent at the end of this week."

Chisora's promoter, Kalle Sauerland, added: "I don't think anyone was ducking anyone. It's professional boxing and it was down to money. Dereck wasn't happy with the terms presented to him and said he wasn't going to do it.

"It could have gone to a purse bid but I guess Eddie and Anthony chose to go a different avenue because we couldn't reach an agreement. They chose to move on and at the end of the day, Dereck has his demands. Anthony gave up the position and Pulev moves in."

Joshua, meanwhile, could face Carlos Takam in an IBF eliminator for Charles Martin's newly-won title.

Pulev (22-1, 12 KO) has fought twice since his blowout loss to Wladimir Klitschko, beating journeymen George Arias and Maurice Harris. "The Cobra" owns wins over Alexander Dimitrenko, Alexander Ustinov, and Tony Thompson, among others.

Provided Pulev wasn't too devastated by the Klitschko defeat, this is a fight he should win comfortably. If Chisora shows up at his best, though, he could give the Bulgarian some headaches. It's just a question of how much of that trademark grit and aggression is left in "Del Boy."