ANTHONY JOSHUA’S heavyweight showdown with Kubrat Pulev is set to have 1,000 fans in attendance after London was placed in Tier 2 of the new lockdown rules.
The Government announced a relaxing of coronavirus rules surrounding sporting events with their regional tiered system this morning.
Anthony Joshua has received a huge boost ahead of his title against Kubrat PulevCredit: PA
The London 2012 gold medallist is putting his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles on the line against the Bulgarian on December 12.
The fight is currently set to take place at the O2 Arena, but could be moved to Wembley Arena.
It still remains to be confirmed which one will host the showdown, with both arenas booked by Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn.
New rules mean fans who live in Tiers 1 and 2 will be able to return to indoor and outdoor sporting events from December 2.
London will go into Tier 2 when the national lockdown ends.
And that means a restricted number of fans will be allowed in to see AJ’s first fight in a year since he reclaimed the belts from Andy Ruiz Jr.
Boxing and other elite sports will now be able to welcome limited crowds back if events are being staged in areas in either Tiers 1 or 2.
But those sporting events taking place in areas in Tier 3 are still unable to have any spectators.
Events taking place outdoors in Tier 1 are allowed 4,000 spectators present with Tier 2 able to host 2,000.
For Indoor events in Tier 1 and 2 it is half the number allowed for outdoors.
Speaking before today’s announcement, the 31-year-old Joshua said: “December 12 is the date and once again the heavyweight belts go up in the air and it is my sole focus to make sure that, come December 13, they are in their rightful place in the UK.
“Without the fans something huge is missing. I am really hoping that, safety permitting, we might be able to bring some boxing fans in but we will have to see.”
Fans not in attendance will have to fork out £24.95 to watch the title fight.
Bob Arum says Tyson Fury will fight Anthony Joshua next if he beats Pulev
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
