Hearn: Joshua Focused On Fighting In The UK

If the world champion and his promoter had a choice, a planned fight with Kubrat Pulev wouldn’t take anywhere else except for their own backyard.

Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn spoke to Sky Sports regarding the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO Heavyweight Title fight featuring Anthony Joshua against Kubrat Pulev. Originally set for June in the United Kingdom (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium), the bout was postponed due to the coronavirus. According to Pulev’s manager, Ivalyo Gotsev, the fight could take place on August 29. The team has given Hearn and Matchroom less than four weeks to come to a decision.

Regarding a location, Gotsev has recommended Croatia as an option. Hearn, however, would like plans to remain the same in regards to holding the fight in the United Kingdom. He also gave his predictions for when the fight would be held.

“Wouldn’t it be great to come through all this and stage a world heavyweight title fight in the UK this year. For us, that is the absolute focus and if that’s taken out of our hands, we will look at other options around the world,” Hearn stated.

“Croatia is a potential option at this stage and just a part of wider discussions. Given the current uncertainty, I would expect to see him in the ring again end of September at the earliest, but more likely October or November as the restrictions hopefully start to ease.”

Other locations being considered (if necessary) include Saudi Arabia and China. What Hearn does want more than anything is for a crowd to be at whatever venue they choose to watch Anthony Joshua in action. If Joshua had his way, however, he would fight anywhere as long as he could.

Currently, Hearn is planning on hosting events in his former backyard, now the offices of Matchroom UK. While he doesn’t want Joshua competing at that venue, Joshua is extremely interested in the idea. The fact that it is in the UK does help.

Where will Joshua and Pulev end up fighting?