JOSHUA AND PULEV COLLIDE ON DECEMBER 12
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 17 Oct 2020
Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua OBE will defend his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Titles against Mandatory Challenger Kubrat Pulev at The O2 in London on Saturday December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S., on a show promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Top Rank and Epic Sports and Entertainment.
Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) recaptured his belts and position as the Unified Heavyweight World Champion with a masterful unanimous decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia on an historical night in December that saw the Heavyweight World Titles contested for the very first time in the Middle East.
“December 12 is the date and once again the Heavyweight belts go up in the air and it is my sole focus to make sure that come December 13 they are in their rightful place in the UK,” said Joshua.
“The O2 is the original lion’s den, I have a lot of history with the arena, but without the fans something huge is missing. I am really hoping that, safety permitting, we might be able to bring some boxing fans in, but we will have to see. I respect every opponent and I respect Pulev. I wish him well during his preparation.”
“For a small country of Bulgaria to stand up for the Heavyweight Titles is a great accomplishment. This fight is for my late father and all Bulgarian’s around the world! I’m coming to London to seize the Heavyweight Championship of the World,” said Pulev.
December 12 will be ‘AJ’s’ first fight on UK soil in over two years, since he defended his crowns with a devastating seventh round knockout of Russia’s Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium, and the former Finchley ABC man will be aiming to deal with Pulev in style to set up an Undisputed showdown against WBC Champion and fellow Brit Tyson Fury in 2021.
Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs), the IBF’s No.1-ranked Heavyweight Mandatory Challenger, gets his second shot at World honours after his defeat to modern legend Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 – the only loss of his 29-fight professional career. He has won eight fights in a row since then, including victories over Derek Chisora and an IBF Eliminator win over Hughie Fury in 2018.
The Bulgarian superstar was set to challenge Joshua at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in October 2017 but was forced to withdraw through an injury and will now get his opportunity to ruin the champion’s plans to face Fury in an all-British blockbuster showdown in the future.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
The Past Week in Action 20 October 2020: Teofimo Lopez's Undisputed Status is In Doubt
By Eric Armit, Wed, 21 Oct 2020NM Darry Bernardo wins PCAP try out in Pampanga
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 21 Oct 2020Magramo-Nakatani Set Nov. 6; Mama to go up against Mthalane
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 20 Oct 2020MARTINEZ FACES CALLEROS IN MEXICO DEFENSE
Tue, 20 Oct 2020Cebuano journo Jobanie Tabada wins National Executive Chess Online tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 20 Oct 2020RITSON EDGES PAST VAZQUEZ – RESULTS FROM PETERBOROUGH
Tue, 20 Oct 2020Boxeo Telemundo Season Finale
Tue, 20 Oct 2020DANNY ROMAN WANTS WBC CHAMPION LUIS NERY
Tue, 20 Oct 2020"SFT 22: The Return" for Breast Cancer Awareness Oct. 31 in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Tue, 20 Oct 2020SELBY VS KAMBOSOS JR WINNER WILL BE FIRST LOPEZ MANDATORY
Tue, 20 Oct 2020RDR Promotions Stages 1st card in Philadelphia in Eight-Months on Saturday, November 7th at The 2300 Arena
Tue, 20 Oct 2020FLASH SALE TO BENEFIT THE OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION
Tue, 20 Oct 2020WBC Cares and Feet First Foundation Unite Helping Students with Boxing Curriculum
Tue, 20 Oct 2020BOXEO TELEMUNDO: "Where Champions are Born"
Mon, 19 Oct 2020World rated Luke Boyd sets eyes on moving up the world rankings, partners with Dragon Fire Boxing alongside long term management Dreamtime
Mon, 19 Oct 2020