Kubrat Pulev calls on Anthony Joshua to make postponed fight happen behind closed doors ‘any time, any place’

KUBRAT PULEV has called on Anthony Joshua to sort out when and where their world title fight will take place.

The ongoing coronavirus crisis meant the original date of June 20 was shelved, with July 25 being mentioned as a potential alternative.

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Anthony Joshua is set to defend his heavyweight world titles next against Kubrat PulevCredit: Reuters

Much will depend on whether the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is able to host the heavyweight clash – otherwise a new venue might need to be found too.

Bulgarian Pulev just wants it to happen regardless and has called on his Brit opponent to push ahead with nailing it down.

As reported by Yahoo Sports, Pulev, 38, said: “As I have said repeatedly, I’m ready to battle, anytime and anyplace.

“So come on AJ, let’s make this historic fight happen for the world and give our fans a battle they will never forget.”

Even if it is signed for July in the UK, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic could mean it could happen behind closed doors.

Royal Ascot, one of the biggest horse racing festivals of the calendar, has been confirmed to take place without fans in attendance between June 16-20.

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And of course it has been suggested that the UK football season might be restarted behind closed doors too in a desperate bid to finish the campaign.

The likes of Euro 2020 and the historic Wimbledon tennis tournament have already been cancelled this summer.

British Boxing has shelved all their events until at least the end of April, with the board set to meet in the coming weeks to review that.

But John Wirt, the president of Epic Sports & Entertainment who help promoter Pulev, is hopeful his man will head into battle against Joshua in July.

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He said: “The truth is that soccer is still being played in stadiums in Europe, the WWE had a PPV event last weekend in the United States, the German soccer league announced [Tuesday] their plans to start playing soccer soon and Major League Baseball has discussed plans to hold a modified season in Arizona.

“People need entertainment, and sports specifically, while being cooped up inside for this long.

“You can catch a fever from COVID-19, but you can also get a bad case of cabin fever if you don’t take care of your mental health.

“Just like Netflix, sports is an essential service because we help keep people from worrying themselves sick over this virus.”

When the two boxers do eventually fight, SunSport has reported how Pulev will donate half of his £4million Joshua fight purse to the ongoing battle against coronavirus.

The Bulgarian is set for his biggest career pay-day in his 30th pro fight.

But he has said it will be halved thanks to an incredible show of generosity.

Speaking to German newspaper Bild, Pulev said: “I will give doctors, nurses and hospitals the necessary equipment to deal with this devilish virus.

“I will donate 50 per cent of the money I earn from the match with Joshua to the tireless heroes in the fight against the coronavirus.”

Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk