British heavyweight champion Anthony ‘AJ’ Joshua could lose his WBA belt if he fails to agree to a fight against mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin with immediate effect.

AJ also holds the WBO and IBF titles and has been in a lengthy talk with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

However, WBA has indicated its intention to move away from AJ-Wilder fight due to the delay in reaching an agreement with the body stating that the Briton must fight Povetkin.

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza while speaking via a statement said: “Today the WBA requested an answer from Anthony Joshua’s team regarding his fight with the mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin.”

“The WBA have allowed over a month extension to negotiations with Povetkin and also ongoing discussions with Deontay Wilder.

“It appears the Wilder team have not returned the contract for the fight and therefore we are requesting a date for the Joshua versus Povetkin fight with immediate effect.” He added.

In a chat with Sky Sports, AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn said the Nigerian-born boxer was “frustrated” due to a lack of agreement with Wilder’s team.

He said: “We can’t do a lot more than we are doing.”

“Anthony is frustrated. We sent the contract nine days ago. Nothing makes sense here at all. They know we’re under pressure from the WBA. It feels like a big game.

“He wants to fight Wilder but at the same time we are not going to lose a belt to the WBA.

“Right now it looks like Povetkin is next but anything can happen in this sport.” He concluded.