Anthony Joshua will defend his IBF world heavyweight championship against American Eric Molina after his proposed fight with Wladimir Klitschko fell through, it has been announced.

The fight will take place at Manchester Arena on December 10 and will be Joshua’s second defence of the title he won in April after beating Dominic Breazeale by knock-out in June.

Molina has a record of 25 wins and three losses during his career and was one of a number of names mooted to face unbeaten Joshua, with 2008 Olympic bronze medallist David Price also a rumoured opponent.

The 34-year-old lost his only previous world title shot against WBC world champion Deontay Wilder in 2015.

“I am pleased that everything is now set for December 10 and I can concentrate on getting the business done in the ring,” said Joshua.

“There has been plenty of talk about who I may face but all I'm doing is concentrating on finishing Molina in style and putting on a great show.

“Every fight is dangerous in this division and this is no exception. I saw Molina have a great fight with Wilder and he is now coming off a strong KO win against [Tomasz] Adamek in Poland.

Molina lost his only previous world title attempt (Getty)

“I'm expecting this to be the toughest fight of my career so far and I will be ready for an all-out war.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn blamed confusion over whether the WBA title would be on the line for a proposed fight with Klitschko as the reason the deal with the Ukrainian fell through.

Dominic Breazeale stumbles after a big right hand from Anthony Joshua (Getty)

However, former champion Klitschko has said he wants to fight Joshua next year, with March or April the likely dates.