A fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight belt is the most anticipated potential match in boxing, but the path to the bout isn't a smooth one.
Deontay Wilder has the contractual right to enforce a third WBC title fight against Fury. Mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev is contracted to be Joshua's next opponent, and Pulev doesn't have plans to step aside.
Pulev told Sky Sports that he believes a fight with Joshua will happen before the end of the year because of the contractual obligations. He also believes he will ruin the potential Joshua-Fury fight by defeating Joshua.
"I'm way more precise than (Joshua) as well as a much smarter boxer," Pulev said. "And I will beat him. Brutally."
Pulev didn't stop there. When he was asked why Joshua wants a home advantage against him, Pulev said the answer was obvious. "Because he's afraid," Pulev said. "I don't see any other reason."
He also added Joshua is a "coward" for picking a certain destination for their fight.
ESPN reported last week that talks were underway for a Joshua vs. Fury fight, potentially in Saudi Arabia. The ESPN report said the offer would have to be large enough to be able to pay off Wilder to waive his contractual right to a third fight. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, later said that while some foreign territories had expressed interest in hosting a Joshua-Fury fight, that negotiations hadn't taken place.
The original fight between Joshua and Pulev was scheduled for June 20 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Pulev seems confident he will be the next one to fight Joshua.
"We have a signed contract which is the reason I strongly believe there will be a fight before the end of the year," Pulev said in the interview with Sky Sports. "I'm more than certain it will be an exciting clash that will show the world who's the better boxer."