Lemieux vs Ryder on December 12 in London at the Joshua vs Pulev undercard

Eddie Hearn has revealed that he is close to signing a deal between John Ryder (28-5, 16 KOs) and former middleweight champion David Lemieux (42-4, 25 KOs). At stake there will be the status of the official contender for the WBA super middleweight title. The fight will take place on December 12 in London.

The main event of this evening will be the bout for the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight belts of Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev.

Lemieux, 31, returned to the ring two weeks ago and knocked out Francie Nteta. Ryder has not boxed since losing to Callum Smith last year.

London will also host a duel for the vacant WBO Cruiserweight title between Laurens Okolie and Krzysztof Glowacki.