BOXING gets even bigger this week as Anthony Joshua prepares to take on Kubrat Pulev in a huge heavyweight clash in front of 1,000 fans at Wembley Arena. Joshua will be defending his WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles against the Bulgarian, who he was first scheduled to face over three years ago. The […]
BOXING gets even bigger this week as Anthony Joshua prepares to take on Kubrat Pulev in a huge heavyweight clash in front of 1,000 fans at Wembley Arena.
Joshua will be defending his WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles against the Bulgarian, who he was first scheduled to face over three years ago.
The fight is a big one for Joshua, who can all but secure a money-spinning pair of bouts with Tyson Fury with an emphatic win.
“I have been watching his fights carefully. He has a good style and he is a good specimen, but he has not shown any mental toughness,” Pulev said.
“Yes, he has skills, but he hasn’t shown the mental strength. This is something from within, in the blood of a man, and he does not have it.
“Whatever mental toughness he’s got, I know I’m the harder person. This is the difference – my toughness will prevail.”
But Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said his man will do the business on fight night.
“I went to see him yesterday, he looked absolutely sensational,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“He’s learning, he’s punching so hard, so sharp, so fast. I think this is going to be a tough fight against Kubrat Pulev. I also think he is going to absolutely destroy him.
“I think he’s going to break him down, he’s going to dissect him, and he’s going to punish him. I think you’re going to see a statement.
Lawrence Okolie is seeking a replacement after opponent Krzysztof Glowacki tested positive for coronavirus.
The pair were set to fight for the vacant WBO world cruiserweight title, though promoter Eddie Hearn says Okolie will still be on the card against a late call-up.