Kubrat Pulev Challenges Champion Anthony Joshua:
Joshua vs Pulev : Anthony Joshua will face mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev on 12 December 2020 at the O2 Arena in London, UK. Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight titles will be on the line in one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. The title challenge was initially scheduled to take place in June, but the event was postponed due to the raging outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both of the contestants have confirmed the final date of the event after much suspense. The venue is also fixed after much talk. It remains to be seen whether spectators will be allowed into the arena, but a crowd of at least 1000 seems likely. Even though the fans cannot enjoy this epic clash in person, several channels will stream the event live all over the world.
The WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles will be up for grabs by the Bulgarian heavyweight Kubrat Pulev on 12 December. AJ suffered his first defeat against Andy Ruiz last year, although he regained his titles in the re-match. Pundits think that Pulev is the right man for stripping AJ of his titles again. Top Rank’s Boby Arum has predicted that Kubrat Pulev will defeat the current champion. Boby Arum considers Kubrat Pulev to be bigger and faster than Andy Ruiz, who defeated Anthony Joshua last year. Thus, Pulev seems to be the strongest candidate for bringing AJ down. On the other hand, the current champion, Anthony Joshua, is not easy to defeat. In his career as a heavyweight professional, AJ has suffered just one defeat, the same as Pulev. AJ is determined to hold on to his crown as world champion in this epic clash. Whoever comes out triumphant, one thing is for sure that the fight will be one to remember. Let’s take a closer look at both contestants.
A Closer Look at Joshua vs Pulev
AJ is the sizable favorite in his clash against Kubrat Pulev, according to sports betting agencies. They have attached greater probability to the current titleholder over Pulev. AJ, 31 years old and standing at 6 ft 6 in, the current heavyweight champion, has lost just one match in his heavyweight career. The British Orthodox fighter has an impressive record of knocking out his opponents 21 times in his 23 victories. AJ demonstrated a change in his fighting style in his last bout against Andy Ruiz. Typically, Joshua was the aggressor. He used to bully his opponents to get his opportunity to knock them out, which was a risky strategy. This strategy caused him his first defeat against Andy Ruiz, who knocked him out. Joshua learned his lesson, and he played more like a traditional boxer with a lot of defensive moves against his re-match against Ruiz in Saudi Arabia. Joshua’s adapted tactics worked out, and he beat the Mexican-American.
The 39-year-old Bulgarian, Kubrat Pulev, has an equally impressive winning streak as his opponent Anthony Joshua. He has won 28 of his 29 clashes. Pulev is more patient and composed, compared to Joshua. He is working constantly with his jab, which doesn’t let his opponents get near him easily. Kubrat Pulev throws strong punches with deadly combinations, but has to get close to his opponents to really work it. Out of Pulev’s 28 victories, only 14 have been either knockouts or technical knockouts. So, Anthony Joshua may try his usual aggressive bullying strategy to knock Pulev out with less expected rebounds. Still, Kubrat has the tendency to through more jabs to earn more points, which helps him win decision victories. Pulev has been around the ring longer and has greater experience, although in the amateur arena.
So, all we can say is, the clash between Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev is nicely poised and there is no obvious winner. Joshua and Pulev both have the capacity to win this battle. If this fight was before Joshua lost to Pulev, and had the perfect unbeaten record, many would consider Pulev as the underdog. Joshua would have been the clear favorite if he had beaten Andy Ruiz to protect his perfect record. But that bout showed that the king can be beaten as well, and Pulev is the best candidate to do so. Whatever the outcome maybe, 12 December will be a night to remember not only for them, but also for the fans. Joshua and Pulev will study their opponents, be aware of their strengths, and exploit their weaknesses. Whoever comes out triumphant, the fight will undoubtedly be electrifying.