Anthony Joshua ordered to defend WBA title against Ortiz

The World Boxing Association (WBA) has ordered current world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to defend his title against mandatory challenger, Luis Ortiz, from Cuba.

The governing body in a statement released on Friday, gave both parties 30 days to come to an agreement, or the fight will go to purse bids.

Both parties (Joshua and Ortiz) were duly notified that, as of August 3rd, they have 30 days to reach an agreement or the fight will be called to purse bids, the WBA said in a statement.

WBA orders Joshua vs Ortiz. #WBAboxing https://t.co/iAwCHL2JGc kingkongboxing @anthonyfjoshua pic.twitter.com/7Ahf12HJZy

— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) August 3, 2017

The 27-year-old Briton, holds the IBF and IBO titles, and added the WBA title in April defeating Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko with a stunning 11th-round stoppage at Wembley Stadium.

The decision came just less than a day after Wladimir Klitschko, 41 announced his retirement, that ruled out a potential rematch with Joshua.

According to the resolution sent on January 11th, 2017, to both parties, it was reported that the winner of the Joshua-Klitschko fight, held on April 29th, 2017, had to face Ortiz after 120 days, A statement on wbaboxing.com read.

95 days have passed and, for this reason, the Championships Committee ordered to negotiate a fight between the British and Cuban boxers.

Joshua, who is undefeated in 19 bouts, has also been told he must face IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev of Bulgaria before Dec 2 or risk being stripped of that belt.

Ortiz, 38 is also unbeaten, recording 23 knockouts in 27 career wins, and is a former WBA interim world champion.

After announcing his retirement, former champion Klitschko, who made 23 world title defences during his glittering career, backed Joshua to lead the next generation of heavyweight fighters.

My HEART is at PEACE as I pass the torch to @anthonyfjoshua – the next generation. Good luck little bro, I’m proud of you!, Klitschko posted on Twitter.