Kubrat Pulev To Anthony Joshua: Enough Is Enough

Kubrat Pulev has vented his frustrations over his mandatory contender status. The Bulgarian heavyweight is next in line to face Anthony Joshua for the IBF world championship but his title shot has been postponed on multiple occasions. Most recently because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Pulev hasn’t lost since 2014, when he lost the IBF belt to boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko for the belt in Hamburg. It is the only loss of the 39 year old’s professional career.

Joshua vs Fury?

Dreams of a super fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury began circulating online after ‘AJ’ reclaimed his IBF, WBO, and WBA belt in a successful rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr, and ‘The Gypsy King’ defeated Deontay Wilder, to win The Ring and WBC belts.

The spectacle would unify all of boxing’s major heavyweight titles and would be one of the sport’s most lucrative events. If it is to happen this year however, both Pulev and Wilder would have to agree to step aside.

Despite a huge cash incentive, the fiery Sofian native has made his objections clear in an interview for BBC 5 Live’s ‘Boxing Show’.

‘Enough Is Enough’

“I can’t understand why we are still postponing instead of fixing a date and venue and getting to work? Enough is enough. I can’t wait to win this fight.

“I see how people are afraid of me and are trying to face someone else before me. That’s not how a real world champion should act.”

Fury faces obstacles of his own. The ‘Gypsy King’ is still contractually obliged to face Wilder. Despite a destructive seventh round stoppage of Deontay in February at the MGM Grand, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has triggered a release clause that was drawn up prior to the rematch.

Pulev Stepped Aside Before…

Pulev also wanted to remind the world that he had stepped aside once already to allow Joshua a chance at redemption against Ruiz.

“I did it once when I didn’t have to do it for Joshua to have his second match against Ruiz Jr. Everything was against IBF’s rules, but I compromised,” said Pulev.

“A year has passed and they always have a reason to postpone, not to fight against me. There are two options. You either fight or vacate the title.”

Do you think we’ll see Anthony Joshua fight Kubrat Pulev or Tyson Fury next?


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