Thanks To A Left Knee Injury, What Is The Status Of Anthony Joshua’s Upcoming Fight With Kubrat Pulev?
There was recently a small setback for Anthony Joshua during training, but that should not stop the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO Heavyweight Champion from fulfilling his obligations as a fighter.
According to Mike Coppinger of The Athletic, Joshua (23-1) will be out of action for about four-six weeks due to a knee injury he suffered while running. He was wearing a brace and needed crutches to hold himself up. Speaking to ESPN, spokesperson Andy Bell said the brace is for precautionary reasons. In a conversation with Michael Benson of talkSPORT, Joshua discussed the severity of his injury and recovery time.
“Respect for the supporters concerned about my leg. I buss my knee running miles in the woods. Doc said take all weight off it for two/three weeks. Still training, still active, still punching. Two weeks to [go], then it’s off.”
Joshua was seen for the first time with a brace at a “Black Lives Matter” rally in Watford, England. He is one of the latest combat sports stars to speak out following the death of George Floyd a few weeks ago.
The last time Joshua fought was in December, beating Andy Ruiz Jr. to regain his heavyweight titles. Ruiz took the titles from him back in June 2019 in what was considered an upset. Joshua is hoping to face off against lineal and WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury sometime in 2021.
Joshua is currently set to face off against Kubrat Pulev. Originally set for May, the bout was postponed due to the coronavirus. There are rumors that the bout could take place in November, in a small venue with fans. Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn has been adamant about having a crowd for Joshua’s bouts.
Stay tuned for an update on the status of Joshua.