Pulev On Joshua-Fury: ‘Neither Me, Nor Wilder Will Give Up On These Fights’
Slighting a fighter like Kubrat Pulev will only make him angry. He plans on using that motivation to take out Anthony Joshua.
Pulev (28-1) is set to take on Joshua for the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO Heavyweight Titles. Originally set for June 20, the fight has been postponed to another time due to the coronavirus. “The Kobra” doesn’t seem concerned with boxing’s hiatus, or the idea that he may have to wait longer than expected for a clash.
“I don’t have such concerns,” Pulev told Sky Sports. “Even if the fight has to take place behind closed doors, it will still be a very interesting event. Yes, we had to postpone it a bit but I don’t think that it will take too long before we meet in the ring.
“We have a signed contract which is the reason I strongly believe there will be a fight before the end of the year. I’m more than certain it will be an exciting clash that will show the world who’s the better boxer.”
Speaking of closed doors, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn is hoping a Joshua bout can take place with fans in any arena. He is not opposed, however, to hold fights without them. What would be the holdup then for a clash between these two? Money and planning.
Tyson Fury, the WBC and lineal Heavyweight Champion of the world, beat Deontay Wilder in February in a rematch that saw Fury win via TKO in the seventh. Booked originally for the summer, the third fight between the two was moved to October 3 before getting delayed again to November or December at the latest. Wilder is currently healing from biceps surgery, giving Fury a potentially new opportunity to take. Fury (30-0-1) and Joshua (23-1) have an idea to fight sometime before the end of 2020. That could put a wrinkle in Wilder and Pulev’s plans.
Whether it be in England or Saudi Arabia, both British fighters would want to get a fight and payday years in the making done. Wilder’s team dismissed those plans. Pulev believes what is put in ink is binding.
“He (Joshua) can’t face Fury because he has signed a contract to fight me,” Pulev went on to say. “Besides, in this same contract, there are clauses featuring some serious compensations [if the fight doesn’t happen]. In the meantime, Fury has a contract for a third fight with Deontay Wilder. Neither me, nor Wilder will give up on these fights.”
Pulev was supposed to face Joshua in 2017 but had to pull out of the bout due to injury. Since losing out on his opportunity, Pulev has beaten Hughie Fury, Bogdan Dinu, and Rydell Booker. Pulev has since stated that he would beat Joshua then like he believes he would now. One factor that he believes will come into play is Joshua’s loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. back in June. According to him, Joshua’s mentality is just not the same as it once was.
Pulev is hoping the bout will get done as promised. If he were to clash with Joshua and Matchroom in general, Pulev believes he will have the ultimate advantage.
“No matter how much Eddie Hearn tries to maneuver things and play his little games, I will come up against Joshua and I will beat him! It’s written in the stars,” said Pulev.