Anthony Joshua To Defend World Heavy Titles Against Kubrat Pulev

Anthony Joshua will defend his IBF and WBA world heavyweight titles against Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on October 28.

The bout comes six months after the 27-year-old Joshua stopped Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in April, to add the WBA title to the IBF belt he claimed in 2016.

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The Britain had been pursuing a Las Vegas rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, who he beat at Wembley in April, only for the Ukrainian to announce his retirement.

Joshua, who comes into this fight with a record that stands at 19 – 0 – 19 wins and 19 knockouts will face IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev with a record of 25-0-1 following his recent UD win against American Kevin Mitchell, beneath a closed roof in Cardiff.

“I have been eager to get back in the ring since Wembley,” Joshua said in a press release issued by Matchroom Boxing.

Klitschko delivered the only defeat of Pulev’s 26-fight career in 2015 but the Bulgarian has since won five fights in a row, taking him to a position as the IBF’s mandatory challenger.

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“Anthony is a formidable opponent,” said Pulev.

“We will not hug and hold, we will not run; we will stand and fight. His style fits mine perfectly and in boxing, styles make fights.

“My preparation will be very intense and I will be perfectly ready when I enter the ring so that he will have no chance to beat me.”

“I’ll be locked away focusing on fight number 20 for the next eight weeks. I am excited to experience the atmosphere in a sold out Principality Stadium and aim to give the fans a spectacular night.”

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said a crowd of 80,000 was expected for the fight.

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Joshua Vs Pulev is the first world heavyweight title fight to be held in Wales since Lennox Lewis Vs Frank Bruno Boxer in 1993, 24 years ago.

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