Anthony Joshua’s clash with Kubrat Pulev could be the first fight to be staged at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

That is if promoter Eddie Hearn can convince the Bulgarian to travel to the UK.

Pulev is the mandatory challenger for Joshua’s IBF belt and the British heavyweight star wants the fight in the UK.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said last week a number of venues are in the running including Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Principality Stadium, Twickenham and the Emirates.

Spurs’ new ground was the front runner immediately after Joshua regained the WBA, IBF and WBO titles against Andy Ruiz Jnr in December.

But it is now understood Arsenal’s home is the new favourite to host the clash which will be staged in late May or early June.

Tottenham also want the fight but Hearn said last week that the dates were “difficult” at the stunning new stadium.

Hearn has held talks with Arsenal about the availability of the Emirates and it is understood now to be the preferred choice although they have yet to book the venue.

Gunners officials are starting to put in place plans for the event should they get the deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Hearn still needs to convince Pulev to travel to the UK as the Bulgarian is aware more money is on the table to stage the fight in Saudi Arabia or the Far East.

They must come to a financial deal before Friday to avoid it going to purse bids which would allow any promoter to put in an offer to stage the bout.

But an agreement on the venue could wait with Hearn aware how much the bout will generate in the UK so it won’t differ what outdoor stadium they book.

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