ANTHONY JOSHUA returns to the ring for his first fight since beating Andy Ruiz Jr in their huge Saudi rematch.
The British star regained the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts in December after suffering a shock loss to the Mexican last year – and is on a unification collision course with WBC champ Tyson Fury.
Anthony Joshua returns to the ring after reclaiming the world title belts in his December win over Andy RuizCredit: Reuters
AJ makes his first defence against Kubrat Pulev, after being ordered to fight the mandatory challenger by IBF.
A 24th win for Joshua is expected to set up a mega bout against the Gypsy King to unify the heavyweight division.
When is Joshua vs Pulev?
This world title fight will take place on Saturday, June 20.
The bout will likely start at around 10pm UK time – that is 5pm ET.
It is being held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.
Is the fight still going ahead despite coronavirus?
The UK sporting calendar has been decimated by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Despite most sports being knocked to the canvas, boxing is still upright – just – and still swinging.
As of March 16, this fight is still ON.
But promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that the fight will be cancelled if spectators aren’t able to attend.
Eddie Hearn insists he has spoken to Bob Arum to discuss Fury vs JoshuaCredit: PA:Press Association
He said: “I cannot see how we can stage a fight behind closed doors with no crowd.
“Can you imagine Anthony Joshua walking to fight Kubrat Pulev in front of you and me and [Sky Sports head of boxing] Adam Smith? It’s just not going to happen.
“The crowd are so integral to the dramatic aspect of the sport of boxing, and in terms of being a TV product. For me, it’s very difficult to do it behind closed doors.”
What TV channel is it on and can I live stream it?
The fight will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office – the regular channel for Joshua fights.
Although the prices have yet to be announced, it is believed that it will cost £24.95 to watch the bout, just like the Ruiz vs Joshua rematch.
What is the undercard?
So far, only Anthony Joshua’s clash with the 38-year-old Pulev has been announced on this card.
What have they said?
Both fighters have kept it brief following the fight’s announcement.
This will be Pulev’s second world title fight, having lost to Wladimir Klitschko in November 2014.
Yet, he is looking to put the record straight, saying: “I am happy to have the opportunity to show the world how strong I really am.”
Meanwhile, Joshua simply put out a tweet, confirming the date of his next bout.
But boxing fans will be disappointed they have to wait for a unification fight after the date was revealed for the trilogy battle between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.
The Gypsy King will return to Las Vegas on July 18, looking for a second win over the Bronze Bomber at the MGM Grand.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
