A member of Kubrat Pulev's promotional team has warned Anthony Joshua there will be consequences if the WBA (Super), IBF and WBO titleholder attempts to bypass a title defence against the Bulgarian boxer and fast-track a superfight with WBC champion Tyson Fury.
Pulev’s co-promoter and right-hand man Ivaylo Gotzev told Press Box PR that Joshua's firm Matchroom Boxing have considered skipping the previously-agreed bout with Pulev, which Eddie Hearn says he is looking to set on a date before the year is out.
With Fury's trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder looking doubtful to take place unless a crowd of a decent enough size can attend, the Pulev fight could be seen by Hearn as an unnecessary risk if the previously-discussed unification showdown with Joshua's compatriot can be scheduled in early 2021, according to Gotzev.
“That’s something that they have always contemplated at their end. But that door will be closed with a lawsuit if they break our deal and our contract,” Gotzev explained.
“There are some very good attorneys in England and some very fair courts. So it will come down to whether they want to decide whether they want that or not."
That said, Gotzev remains confident it will not come to that.
“I do believe AJ and his promoter will do the right thing and do as they say and finalize the deal," he continued. “Through blood sweat and tears Kubrat earned his position to challenge AJ. Will they overrule his rights, can they all overrule his rights? That’s entirely up to them if they want to try that.
“They should respect the rules of the IBF. There’s a signed agreement.”
According to Gotzev, it appears Joshua-Pulev is indeed close to being finalised, but the final pieces of the puzzle belong to the champion's side — hence the anxiousness emanating from Team Pulev.
“We are in the final stages of closing the deal, which we are extremely happy with," he said. “It’s now up to Eddie to conclude their part. Our signature will come to the fore a lot easier than theirs.
“We’re adjusting the original contract. It’s finally going in the right direction that keeps both sides happy."
And it appears London is the likely destination.
“To become a champion you must go into foreign lands and conquer and that’s what Kubrat has decided to do," explained Gotzev.
“That’s where the victory will be the sweetest and the most legitimate. Let’s do it in London.
“We’re going for the knockout. Kubrat is a man’s man. He has heart, skill, talent and he’s going to upset the apple cart. The question is: Is AJ a man or is he still a mama’s boy?
“Kubrat is the big underdog, it’s like a Rocky story. AJ is a physical specimen, he’s like Apollo Creed and we’re bringing in Rocky. When he upsets AJ that’s the end of Matchroom’s reign.”