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BOXING gets even bigger on Saturday night as Anthony Joshua prepares to take on Kubrat Pulev in a huge heavyweight clash at Wembley Arena.
Joshua will be defending his WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles against the Bulgarian, who he was first scheduled to face over three years ago.
How the fighters compare ahead of their heavyweight bout
The bout is a big one for Joshua, who can all but secure a money-spinning pair of bouts with Tyson Fury with an emphatic win.
When is Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev?
The fight is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 12.
It was originally scheduled for June 20 but the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to those plans.
What time does Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev start?
Sky Sports Box Office being their coverage from Wembley Arena with undercard action from 6pm on Saturday.
Joshua vs Pulev ring walks are expected to start at around 10.30pm UK time on December 12.
Joshua won back his WBA, WBO and IBF titles from Andy Ruiz Jr in DecemberCredit: PA:Press Association
ODDS SPECIAL 4/1 FOR JOSHUA TO WIN VIA KO, DQ OR TKOMobile only / UK and IRE, New customers only / 18+ / begambleaware.org
What channel is it on and can it believe streamed?
Joshua vs Pulev will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The price of the pay-per-view has been set at £24.95, which is more than usual for a PPV event.
The event can be live streamed from the Sky Sports Box Office app, which you can download onto your mobile or tablet device.
What has been said?
Pulev said: “I have been watching his fights carefully. He has a good style and he is a good specimen, but he has not shown any mental toughness.
“Yes, he has skills, but he hasn’t shown the mental strength. This is something from within, in the blood of a man, and he does not have it.
“Whatever mental toughness he’s got, I know I’m the harder person. This is the difference – my toughness will prevail.”
But Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said his man will do the business on fight night.
Hearn told Sky Sports: “I went to see him yesterday, he looked absolutely sensational.
“He’s learning, he’s punching so hard, so sharp, so fast. I think this is going to be a tough fight against Kubrat Pulev. I also think he is going to absolutely destroy him.
“I think he’s going to break him down, he’s going to dissect him, and he’s going to punish him. I think you’re going to see a statement.”
Joshua and Pulev were scheduled to fight in 2017 before the latter pulled outCredit: Reuters
Lawrence Okolie is fighting on Joshua’s undercard on SaturdayCredit: Instagram / @lawrenceokolie
Joshua vs Pulev FULL card
Lawrence Okolie is now facing Nikodem Jezewski after original opponent Krzysztof Glowacki tested positive for coronavirus.
Okolie vs Glowacki was set to be for the vacant WBO world cruiserweight title, but the Jezewski bout won’t be as the unbeaten Pole is not ranked by the WBO.
Elsewhere, Ramla Ali has tested positive for coronavirus and will no longer feature on the undercard.
Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev (WBA, IBF, WBO heavyweight title)
Lawrence Okolie vs Nikodem Jezewski (international cruiserweight title)
Hughie Fury vs Mariusz Wach (heavyweight)
Martin Bakole vs Sergey Kuzmin (heavyweight)
Souleymane Cissokho vs Kieron Conway (light-middleweight)
Florian Marku vs TBA (welterweight)
Qais Ashfaq vs Ashley Lane (super-bantamweight) More
MIKE TYSON gave Tim Witherspoon and his daughter £2,000 from a bag full of cash in a secret act of generosity.
The two heavyweight legends were in Liverpool doing a tour in 2010, speaking at dinner events.
Tim Witherspoon revealed Mike Tyson gave him and his daughter £2,000 from a bag full of cashCredit: AP:Associated Press
Tyson pictured after his boxing comebackCredit: AP:Associated Press
Witherspoon, who has a British daughter named Shanayiah with an English woman, met Tyson in his hotel room.
And when a bundle of cash was laid out on the bed, he was preparing to make an exit – before Iron Mike stopped him in his tracks.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Witherspoon, 62, revealed: “My daughter from Tottenham and I were in our hotel room.
“And Mike’s room wasn’t ready yet, so he came to our room.
“Mike and several people came in and opened up a bag on our bed full of money and threw the money on the bed.
“And I said to my daughter, ‘Come on, Shanayiah, let’s get out of here because they’re counting the money’.
“There was a lot of money. Mike said, ‘Sit down! Where are you going?’ I said, ‘Well, we…’ He said, ‘No. Sit down, man’.
“He counted all the money and he gave me two grand. He was talking to me and my daughter.
“I thought that was really good of him.”
Witherspoon retired in 2003 as a two-time heavyweight champion.
But afterwards, the American, who beat Brit hero Frank Bruno in 1986, struggled to find work.
That was until Tyson, now 54, demanded Witherspoon be a special guest speaker alongside him.
Former two-time champion Witherspoon pictured in 2014 Credit: Getty – Contributor
Tyson demanded Witherspoon join him as a special guest speaker Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Witherspoon said: “Even before in the old days, Mike was real generous.
“The promoter wouldn’t put me on the dinner show and Mike told him to put me on.
“Tyson got him to put me on the show.
“I’m a former heavyweight champion of the world I knocked out Frank Bruno, but they didn’t want me to be on the shows.
“Mike got me on and I also got paid. I think that was a good thing to do.
“Mike knows we as boxers have to stick together. He enforced it and made them put me on their shows.
“Because he thought it was wrong of them to turn their back on me.”
Mike Tyson snubs Anthony Joshua as he names top five favourite current boxers featuring Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder More
ANTHONY JOSHUA has tried his hand at Sky Sports’ devilishly difficult ‘Unwrapped’ challenges – and you can too for a chance to win a free Now TV pass.
This weekend sees AJ take on Kubrat Pulev as he defends his WBA, IBF and WBO belts on Saturday night.
Copy Joshua’s trick attempts and you could win three months of free Now TV Sports thanks to Sky
A win would surely see him set up an all-British heavyweight unification clash with Tyson Fury in 2021.
This Saturday evening also sees the massive Manchester derby, with United hosting City in the Premier League.
Ahead of the bumper weekend of live action, Sky Sports are offering 15 lucky fans a free three-month Now TV sports pass.
All you have to do to win watch Joshua take on Sky’s ‘Unwrapped’ challenges, replicate them and share to social media.
First of all, it’s football keepy-uppies… with a twist.
Take a football and see how many times you can keep it in the air – but rather than using your feet, you use your first.
AJ managed 13… can you do better?
Secondly, why not try the fiendishly tough coin trick.
Take three coins, place one on the back of your forearm, wrist and hand.
Toss them in the air and then attempt to catch them all with the same hand before they hit the ground.
Can you beat Joshua’s total of.. zero?
To win, share your videos on Instagram, including the tags @skysports and #SkySportsUnwrapped.
Everyone who follows those steps is in with the chance of winning… but only 15 will walk away with the free three-month Now TV pass.
Watch AJ in action, try your hand at the stunts, share the video… and good luck!
Anthony Joshua and Kubat Pulev workout for the press ahead of their big fight More
TYSON FURY showed his off brilliant range of branded Christmas jumpers and his MASSIVE tree.
Telling fans to have a ‘merry Christmas you big dossers’ the WBC champion revealed his latest line of merchandise.
Tyson Fury showed his off brilliant range of branded Christmas jumpers
Fury posed next to a massive Christmas tree
Supporters of the Gypsy King can fill their stockings with jumpers and t-shirtsCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101
Supporters of the Gypsy King can fill their stockings with jumpers and t-shirts, which have his face printed on.
In the summer, Fury sold coronavirus face masks with 25 per cent of the profits going to the NHS.
The 32-year-old is still training for his next, despite having a UK homecoming which was scheduled for last week cancelled.
Fury is also awaiting the verdict on his trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, having attempted to walk away from it, believing the immediate rematch clause expired.
But Wilder, 35, responded by launching a mediation to review his case.
Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum indicated that they will wait until Anthony Joshua, 31, faces Kubrat Pulev, 39, this weekend before deciding their next move.
If AJ wins, it could pave the way for the Gypsy King to go straight into an undisputed title decider.
As a result, Joshua has already started the mind games as he offered to manage his long-time rival into a ‘superstar’.
Fury hit back by refusing the proposal and told AJ he is ‘only interested in smashing your face in’.
Joshua responded: “It was just tongue in cheek, I was just playing with Tyson Fury.
“He nibbled! He couldn’t handle it!”
Anthony Joshua says he is prepared to fight Pulev until the final bell as AJ, Pulev and Bob Arum discuss the upcoming fight More
ANTHONY JOSHUA revealed he was given a ‘long list of heavyweights’ that he is working his way through – but Tyson Fury was not on there.
After AJ came out of the London Olympics in 2012 with a gold medal, he turned pro the following year.
Anthony Joshua was given a ‘long list of heavyweights’ that he is working his way throughCredit: �Dave Thompson/Matchroom
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder are among names AJ has been linked withCredit: Reuters
His uncle named Derek Chisora and Wladimir Klitschko as opponents to target as well as Kubrat Pulev, who Joshua faces on Saturday night.
But Fury – who won the world title in 2015 – was not listed.
Joshua told Sky Sports: “I have a long list of heavyweights and I’m knocking them off.
“In 2013 my uncle gave me a list of heavyweights and [wrote next to their names]: ‘Chisora, Klitschko…’
“Pulev was on that list. It was a matter of when. He is still here. He’s been here for years.”
Joshua, 31, defeated Klitschko, 44, after a thrilling 11 rounds in 2017, and was due to face Pulev, 39, until the Bulgarian pulled out injured.
AJ’s old amateur boxing pal Chisora, 36, has offered his friend sparring in the past but their paths never crossed in the pro ranks.
Joshua knows victory against Pulev in his mandatory defence puts him a step closer to finally sealing a deal with long-time rival Fury.
But the unified champion can not afford to add any more names onto his list until he gets past his unwanted interim challenge.
He said: “The other fights that have been mentioned? I’m not interested. Just in Pulev.”
Despite years of drawn out back-and-forths with Deontay Wilder, 35, and Fury, 32, Pulev has always been a looming threat for AJ.
He prepared to fight the ex-European champion three years ago before Carlos Takam, 40, filled in as a late replacement.
And Joshua also helped Klitschko prepare to face Pulev with some famous 2014 sparring sessions in Austria.
Joshua faces Kubrat Pulev in a mandatory defence Credit: ©Dave Thompson/Matchroom
As a result, AJ is equipped with extensive knowledge on his rival.
He explained: “I’ve known of Pulev for many years.
“I was in the training camp when his brother [Tervel] was sparring Warren Baister.
“I was in Wladimir Klitschko’s camp when he was preparing for Pulev.
“So I understand some of the tactics to beat Pulev.”
Anthony Joshua and Kubat Pulev workout for the press ahead of their big fight More
ANTHONY JOSHUA fills his down time with beach holidays, off-roading and paintballing when he is not battering boxing opponents in the ring.
The British heavyweight champ, 31, likes to chill out with pals and clear his head when he gets a chance to take a break from his vigorous training regime.
Anthony Joshua enjoys going paintballing with pals
Joshua rides a jet ski during a Caribbean holiday to BarbadosCredit: The Mega Agency
Joshua made time for an 87-year-old fan on holiday in MarbellaCredit: JOHNNY GATES
Watford-born AJ is preparing for Saturday’s fight against Kubrat Pulev in London but is partial to warmer climates, often jetting off to sunny destinations like Marbella and Barbados for some important rest and relaxation.
He bumped into heavyweight rival Tyson Fury in the popular Spanish holiday destination earlier this year.
And the down to earth icon even penned autographs for some of the Gypsy King’s fans.
Now a household name, Joshua came from humble beginnings and showed his kind nature in a heartwarming holiday moment where he held an 87-year-old woman’s hand and chatted to her about boxing.
In 2019 Joshua celebrated regaining his heavyweight titles in his rematch victory over Andy Ruiz Jr by jetting off to the Caribbean.
The laid back brawler played catch in the sea with friends, raced around on a jet ski and showed off his rippling muscles when walking topless along the Barbadian beach.
Joshua likes to fine tune his competitive edge away from the fight game and is a big fan of paintballing.
The 6ft 6in Olympic Gold medallist is a regular at Mayhem in London where he enjoys firing shots at mates in camouflage gear.
Joshua has words with Tyson Fury in MarbellaCredit: Refer to Caption
AJ poses for selfies with Fury fans abroad
And during the height of the coronavirus lockdown, Joshua let off some steam by engaging in a huge Nerf gun battle indoors.
The reigning WBF, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight world champion proved he is accurate with more than punches as he got stuck into the play fight with loads of ammunition.
With outdoor activities all the rage amid Covid restrictions, Joshua is likely to be taking his custom FiftyOne road bike for a spin.
Inspired by Conor McGregor’s bespoke £15,000 carbon bike, AJ got one himself but it had to be geared up for the muscle-bound fighter who is TWENTY FIVE kilos heavier than the largest pro cyclist.
Joshua enjoyed a Nerf gun battle during lockdown
The beefy boxer has a custom made and personalised bicycle
AJ’s love of two wheels extends to motorbikes – he once revealed his second favourite sport was motocross in a Q&A.
Joshua enjoys off-roading after starting riding as a teenager with friends and makes sure to maintain his own bike to the highest standard.
He was snapped on Instagram with a special chain lubricant and famously celebrated winning the Commonwealth heavyweight title in 2015 by purchasing a lime green Kawasaki dirt bike.
Anthony Joshua shows off explosive power and speed in training video just days before Kubrat Pulev showdown More
ANTHONY JOSHUA says it is ‘crazy’ he is fighting Kubrat Pulev — as six years ago he was pretending to be him!
AJ was drafted in by Wladimir Klitschko to mimic the Bulgarian in training ahead of their heavyweight title clash.
Anthony Joshua puts his world titles on the line against Kubrat PulevCredit: ©Dave Thompson/Matchroom
Six years ago Wladimir Klitschko called on Joshua to help him spar for Kubrat Pulev
Joshua’s sparring helped Wlad get a KO win before the Watford fighter battered the Ukrainian three years later.
Tomorrow Pulev is back on the scene against the Brit at Wembley Arena.
WBA, IBF and WBO champ AJ, 31, said: “It’s crazy how the universe works. I’ve actually implemented some of the stuff Wladimir did in my training for this camp.”
AJ also says he has boxing’s version of Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson in his corner.
Team GB master Rob McCracken helped AJ to an Olympic gold in 2012 and three of four heavyweight world titles.
After the June 2019 loss to Andy Ruiz Jr, some told AJ to ditch his mentor, with even Lennox Lewis calling for him to upgrade.
But just like Fergie who guided United to 13 Prem titles, Joshua, 31, has one of the most respected men in British sport in his dugout when he fights Kubrat Pulev tomorrow.
He said: “Rob is the gaffer, I look at him like an Alex Ferguson, he is a great manager and trainer, so it was just about variety and being able to bring in different levels of greatness.”
Turning his attention to the Bulgarian, 39, Joshua said: “Pulev has very good balance and that is key.
“You can build skyscrapers on good foundations and nothing on rocky foundations. He is very well schooled.”
Joshua added trainer Joby Clayton to his team after the Ruiz defeat. And he is learning plenty from the free-thinker who likes to run barefoot around the local streets.
He said: “Joby is a martial artist so this isn’t just about boxing for him. He is about lifestyle, he likes the old-school fighters from the 1970s and the Kronk Gym, where you can knock people out.”
Anthony Joshua believes a harsh 2019 toughened him up for Kubrat Pulev battle More
