The World Boxing Association (WBA) has ordered reigning world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to fight Luis Ortiz after Wladimir Klitschko’s retirement ruled out a rematch against the Ukrainian.

According to BBC Sport, Joshua and Ortiz have 30 days from August 3 to come to an agreement over their bout, for which the reigning title-defender has been installed as a heavy 1/12 (1.08) with William Hill.

Not only has the WBA told Joshua against whom his next fight must take place, but the International Boxing Federation (IBF) has informed the Briton he must also defend the organisation’s belt against mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev before December 2.

Failure to comply with either demands could see Olympic gold medallist Joshua stripped of his WBO or IBF crowns.

Joshua was scheduled to face Klitschko in November, and Ortiz’s manager Jay Jimenez, has said his fighter would happily fill that slot: “We are next. We have no problem fighting on that date of November 11th in Las Vegas. Our mandatory takes precedent over Pulev’s and they know that.”

Image courtesy of BBC Sport.

Anthony Joshua vs. Luis Ortiz Odds

Anthony Joshua: 1/12 (1.08)

Luis Ortiz: 6/1 (7.00)

Draw: 25/1 (26.00)