Anthony Joshua meets Kubrat Pulev on 12 December as they fight for the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.
The fight could be Joshua’s last before taking on Tyson Fury in two much-awaited clashes in 2021, but first he must negotiate his way past the 39-year-old Bulgarian veteran.
The event will be able to welcome fans despite the coronavirus pandemic, with 1,000 spectators allowed in the SSE Arena in Wembley.
Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) knows all about his opponent, having trained with him in the past.
“Pulev is named after a great Bulgarian warrior and he has that warrior spirit, he carries the hopes of his nation," Joshua said.
“We also did sparring. He is the classic Eastern [European] boxer, very good technically.
“He is tough, he has a great jab and he will dig deep. He has found a way to beat every opponent, except Klitschko, but I know I have prepared well and I should be victorious.”
Joshua will have home advantage and is the heavy favourite against his IBF mandatory challenger. The 31-year-old Briton last fought in Saudi Arabia when he won his titles back from Andy Ruiz Jr. in December 2019.
Bulgarian fighter Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs) said: “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 Bulgarians around the world! I’m coming to London to seize the heavyweight championship of the world.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn was delighted to have the chance to welcome fans back, saying: “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see fans returning to our live boxing events.
“Whilst the team have done an incredible job over the last 10 months we live and breathe through the energy and atmosphere that a live crowd generates.
“It’s so fitting that they can return for an AJ fight, when through the last few years he has broken all kinds of attendance records in the U.K. and beyond. This is such a positive move for boxing and all sport. Welcome back!”
Here’s a complete guide to the Joshua vs. Pulev Card.
ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. KUBRAT PULEV FIGHT DATE, START TIME
- Date: Saturday 12 December
- Time: 18:00 GMT
- Main event: 22:30 GMT
The Joshua-Pulev card will begin at 18:00 GMT with Joshua and Pulev expected to make their ring walks about 22:30 GMT, although the time depends on the length of the earlier fights.
JOSHUA VS. PULEV TV CHANNEL, LIVE STREAM
- U.K.: Sky Sports Box Office
- U.S. and globally: DAZN
The card will air on Sky Sports Box Office in the U.K. and Ireland. It can also be streamed via the Sky Sports Box Office app, or can be watched on a web browser at skysports.com/boxofficelive.
The Joshua vs. Pulev fight is available on DAZN in the rest of the world. (Click here to sign up or learn more about DAZN in your region.)
JOSHUA VS. PULEV PRICE: HOW MUCH DOES THE FIGHT COST TO WATCH?
- U.K.: £24.95
The Joshua vs. Pulev fight costs £24.95 via Sky Sports Box Office in the U.K.
In other territories around the world, the fight is available with a DAZN subscription. (Click here to learn more about DAZN pricing in your region.)
WHERE IS THE JOSHUA VS. PULEV FIGHT?
The Joshua vs. Pulev fight takes place at the SSE Arena in Wembley. Initially scheduled for the O2 Arena prior to the pandemic, the bout was instead made the fifth Matchroom Boxing card of their current residency deal with the SSE, and thanks to decent changes to COVID-19 guidelines, the card will be able to welcome 1,000 fans into the indoor setting.
ANTHONY JOSHUA RECORD AND BIO
- Nationality: English
- Born: 15 October 1989
- Height: 6’ 6
- Reach: 82”
- Total fights: 24
- Record: 23-1 with 21 knockouts
KUBRAT PULEV RECORD AND BIO
- Nationality: Bulgarian
- Born: 4 May 1981
- Height: 6’ 4.5”
- Reach: 79.5”
- Total fights: 29
- Record: 28-1 with 14 knockouts
ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. KUBRAT PULEV FIGHT CARD
- Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev for Joshua's IBF, WBA (super) and WBO Heavyweight titles
- Lawrence Okolie vs. Nikodem Jezewski; Cruiserweight
- Hughie Fury vs. Mariusz Wach; Heavyweight
- Martin Bakole vs. Sergey Kuzmin; Heavyweight
- Kieron Conway vs. Macaulay McGowan; Super Welterweight
- Florian Marku vs. Jamie Stewart; Welterweight
- Qais Ashfaq vs. Ashley Lane; Super Bantamweight