BOXING: Anthony Joshua Tackles Kubrat Pulev Tonight
Anthony Joshua finally returns to the ring and defends his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles against Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev.
Before what is shaping up to be a huge 2021, Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) will return to the ring after a year away in a title defence against Kubrat Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs) on Dec. 12.
Joshua regained the WBA, WBO and IBF titles in a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. last December in Saudi Arabia after being stopped by the Mexican-American in an upset at MSG that summer.
His first title defence since taking the championships back was delayed for a long time by the COVID-19 pandemic — first with the lockdown that stopped live events for several months, and then due to Eddie Hearn’s hope of being able to welcome a crowd to Joshua-Pulev.
The fight will go ahead with about 1,000 fans, ensuring the ring rust has been shaken off before Christmas. And if the Brit is able to retain against the Bulgarian, a massive unification fight with WBC titleholder Tyson Fury looks to be on the cards next year.
