Anthony Joshua has announced he will defend his World Heavyweight title against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in Cardiff in October.

The fight will take place at the Principality Stadium and it will be the first time in the ring for the unbeaten Olympic gold medalist since he stopped Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in April.

Pulev is the mandatory defence for Joshua, and always seemed the likely option following Klitschko’s decision to retire from the sport.

“October 28 can’t come soon enough, I have been eager to get back in the ring since Wembley and now we are confirmed and ready,” said Joshua.

“I’ll be locked away focusing on fight number 20 for the next eight weeks. I am excited to experience the atmosphere in a sold out Principality Stadium and aim to give the fans a spectacular night.”

Bookmakers have already installed Joshua as hot favourite and he is odds-on across the board.

William Hill make him 1/25 to recapture his WBA and IBF titles.

“The odds suggest it will be an easy night’s work for AJ, said William Hill spokesman Tony Kenny.

“But Pulev is a very strong competitor and Joshua will not be taking the big Bulgarian lightly.”