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      Tyson Fury snubs Eddie Hearn’s invitation to watch Anthony Joshua take on Kubrat Pulev

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      TYSON FURY has turned down Eddie Hearn’s invitation to watch Anthony Joshua fight Kubrat Pulev ringside this weekend.
      The Matchroom boss was happy for the Gypsy King to scout out prospective opponent Joshua as he puts his world titles on the line against the Bulgarian.

      Tyson Fury has confirmed he will NOT be attending Anthony Joshua versus Kubrat PulevCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gypsyking101/

      Hearn even extended the invite to take in a Sunday roast at his house.
      But Fury has turned down a trip to Wembley Arena as he will be too busy ‘working and grafting as usual’.
      The 32-year-old uploaded a video to Twitter saying: “This is Tyson Fury, the Gypsy King.
      “Just a quick one guys, I will not be attending any boxing this weekend.

      “For all the rumours this weekend that I’ll be attending some boxing, I will not be.
      “Don’t expect fireworks, don’t expect any action from the Gypsy King because I’ll be grafting, I’ll be working as usual, always staying fit and ready.
      “Good night and god bless.”
      Despite Fury announcing back in March that two fights against Joshua had been ‘agreed’, there has yet to be any confirmation.

      And Joshua seems sceptical that the Battle of Britain will happen next year.

      Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn had invited Fury down to LondonCredit: �Dave Thompson/Matchroom

      Joshua is preparing to put his world titles on the line against PulevCredit: /Mark Robinson2/

      Speaking to ESPN, the 31-year-old said: “When I look at Fury, great talent, but I don’t know whether he’s coming or going.
      “He announced he was going to fight me, then the deal didn’t get signed and we’re not fighting.
      “I don’t know what will happen in 2021 but if I was to bet all my money on it I would say Usyk because he is with Matchroom.”
      Fury is also fuming at Joshua’s cheeky offer to turn him into a ‘superstar’ and raged: ‘I’m only interested in smashing your face in’.
      AJ recently urged his rival to sign with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promotion stable and his own 258 Management group.
      In response, Fury – who has starred in an ITV documentary about his family and released an Xmas song with Robbie Williams – said: “Anthony Joshua, has it ever dawned on you I’m not interested in being a superstar, or famous?
      “I’m a fighting man & only interested in smashing your face in, u keep the stardom, I’ll stay real, #youbigdosser I’m coming for u superstar, tick tock tick tock.”

      George Foreman backs Tyson Fury to beat Anthony Joshua More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Pulev betting tips: Back AJ stoppage at a massive 4/1 with fight to go late – fight prediction

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA is back and ready to take on Bulgarian slugger Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena this weekend.
      The heavyweight champion of the world is back fighting on British shores for the first time since September 2018, when he saw off Alexander Povetkin.

      Joshua regained his heavyweight belts with a UD victory over Andy Ruiz Jr last DecemberCredit: PA

      WILLIAM HILL GET ANTHONY JOSHUA TO WIN AT 4/1* (Mobile only)
      And now AJ is digging in to defend the belts he won back against Andy Ruiz Jr in December last year.
      When Joshua tops the bill it’s always an event – and after the news that 1,000 fans will be allowed in to watch, we thought we’d betting rustle up some betting tips for you boxing-starved punters.
      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

      Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev betting tips
      If any of AJ’s last few bouts are to go by, there’s going to millions staked before the fighters finally do battle in the capital.
      The big question is – which Joshua do we see on December 12?
      On the one hand, it could be the chiselled, heavy-punching Goliath that crushed all before him until Ruiz Jr rocked up and spoilt the party.
      Or will Joshua turn up as the leaner, faster, more technically proficient specimen who won his belts back on that baking hot night in Riyadh?

      Going by recent snaps, it looks like he’s been hitting the dumbbells hard and bulking up close to his previous size.
      Either way, the bookies have him as overwhelming favourite to defend his WBO, WBA (Super), IBO and IBF titles.

      Joshua and Pulev go toe-to-toe on December 12 in LondonCredit: AFP – Getty
      If you’re sticking a tenner on AJ to win, enjoy your £1 profit should he do the business. He’s that short with most bookies.
      In this situation you’ve got to get creative – and the good news is, there’s a whole heap of value to find on this fight.
      We’ll get this out the way first; Pulev is a handy fighter, game as they come and tough as nails.
      His only defeat has been against Wladimir Klischko and that was six years ago – but we’re not going to be putting our hard-earned on him winning this match-up against the Brit champ.
      Pulev might be game, he might have a good chin – but we don’t see the 39-year-old veteran as dangerous enough to sink the Watford man.
      What we do think, is this WON’T be a fight that will be over in the first three rounds.

      Everyone loves a fast knockout, the thrill and adrenaline of the surprise sucker-punch.
      But for AJ – nearly 12 months out of the ring remember – this is a comeback fight in which to shake off the rust and ease his way back ahead of a monster 2021.
      As a result, we’re backing Joshua to take this one deep against a competitor who has gone the distance in five of his last seven bouts.
      We all remember AJ steaming into the fast hands of Ruiz Jr in their first showdown, tasting the canvas four times as he was dismantled by the portly Mexican.
      The humiliation of that night was a huge learning curve for Joshua and we’re excited to see how he approaches this one after his more restrained, mature performance in the rematch.

      Ruiz Jr stunned Joshua at Madison Square Garden – but AJ come back strongerCredit: Reuters
      Sixteen of Joshua’s 21 wins have come within the first six rounds, but we are instead backing the Brit to get the job done in the 7-9th once he’s shaken off the cobwebs.
      Since 2016, ALL of the champions six fights have gone seven rounds or more, with the likes of Carlos Takam (10th), Joseph Parker (distance) and Alexander Povetkin (7th) taking things long.
      In fact the last time AJ powered a fighter out before the third round bell was Eric Molina four long years ago.
      William Hill are offering new customers a massive 4/1 on the Brit star doing the business and winning by either KO, TKO or DQ.
      And if you fancy a go at when the fight ends, pick the later rounds when AJ can unleash that awesome power against the tiring Bulgarian.
      Our tip is for him to do the business in rounds 9-12, again at a hefty 4/1 – and have a quid on a round 11 victory at a whopping 20/1.

      Joshua scored an epic 11th round stoppage against Klitschko in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      That was the round when Joshua eventually wore down Klitschko in their epic encounter way infront of 90,000 at Wembley.
      For all of you looking for a boxing bet NAP to top up your weekend accas, get the 2/7 on the fight not going the distance.
      Joshua possesses the punching strength to put Pulev out, but expect a combination between the new and old AJ to appear as the champ prepares for a career-defining 2021.
      SunSport’s best bets
      Anthony Joshua to win by KO, TKO or DQ: 4/1 with William Hill
      Joshua to win in rounds 9-12: 4/1
      AJ to finish things in round 11: 20/1
      Fight NOT to go the distance: 2/7
      *Terms and conditions: New customers using EPAJ4 Mobile only. Bets placed from 09:00 on 26 November 2020 until 22:00 on 12 December 2020. £10 must be staked on Anthony Joshua to win by KO, TKO, DQ. Bonus paid as 4 x £10 free bets (30 day expiry). Player & currency restrictions & terms apply. 18+ begambleaware.org
      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:
      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
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      Pulev was banned from boxing for kissing reporter, dated pop star and sparked fury with Anthony Joshua ‘tan’ comment

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      KUBRAT PULEV is just days away from his chance of springing a huge boxing shock.
      The 39-year-old will fight Anthony Joshua on December 12 in London, and the Bulgarian has already made the news for actions out of the ring.

      Pulev, with ex-girlfriend Andrea, was accused of racismCredit: Supplied

      Kubrat Pulev will be Anthony Joshua’s next opponent on December 12Credit: Getty – Contributor

      The 39-year-old will be battling the British champ for his WBA, IBF and WBO titles – in what promises to be a fascinating contest.
      But when he was asked for his thoughts on Joshua, 31, in a press conference, Pulev was accused of racism after referencing the colour of his opponent’s skin.
      “His strengths? I’d say he has a very powerful punch undeniably,” said Pulev.
      “What are his other strengths? His tan is better than mine.”

      It’s not the first time Pulev has over-stepped the mark
      In 2019, he had his boxing licence suspended when he forcibly kissed a female reporter on the lips during an interview, and that’s not all…
      ROUND 2
      Almost three years ago, Pulev and Joshua were supposed to fight each other at Cardiff’s Principality.
      However, 11 days before the scheduled bout Pulev injured his shoulder in training and had to pull out.

      Carlos Takam stepped in at short notice, and Joshua finished the tough Frenchman in ten rounds.
      Later Pulev said he could’ve made it to the ring for the £4m payday, but knew he wouldn’t have been able to give the best account of himself.
      “It wasn’t easy for me to make that decision,” Pulev said.

      Joshua and Pulev were supposed to fight each other in 2017Credit: AFP or licensors

      A shoulder injury sustained in training meant Pulev had to pull out 11 days before the Anthony Joshua fightCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ”I know, in my place, almost everyone would choose to get into the ring in Cardiff, despite everything, and collect a few million.
      “Anyone else, but not me. I can beat Joshua … but I can’t beat him if I’m injured.”
      The two were also originally meant to lock horns back in June at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the fight was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      KISSGATE
      Last year, after defeating Bogdan Dinu in Costa Mesa, California, Pulev forcibly kissed female journalist Jennifer Ravalo, as well as reportedly “groped her buttocks”.
      She asked: “If Tyson Fury gets through Tom Schwarz, do you think you should have a shot?”
      He immediately replied “yes” before he put his hand on her chin and kissed her on the lips.
      The California State Athletic Commission immediately suspended Pulev, however his brother responded by sharing a video of Ravalo dancing with a member of Pulev’s entourage on that same night.
      Pulev denied any wrongdoing.
      He told BILD: “Everyone knows me as a friendly and polite person.
      “The woman came to me [at the weigh-in] and said, ‘After the fight, we party.'”

      Kissgate threatened to end Pulev’s careerCredit: Refer to Caption

      Pulev had his boxing licence suspended after a sexual harassment claimCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Pulev was supported by his pop star ex-missus AndreaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreabulgaria/

      Pulev soon had his boxing license reinstatedCredit: Instagram @andreabulgaria
      The heavyweight contender was slapped with a £2,000 fine, as well as the six month suspension from boxing and could only regain a license if he completed a sexual harassment awareness course.
      Four months later, Pulev had his boxing licence reinstated by the CSAC after he completed the class.
      He was warned if he pulled the same stunt again, he’d have his licence revoked again.
      POWER COUPLE
      Pulev’s long-term girlfriend was a blonde bombshell with a big voice, until they split last year.
      The fighter began dating pop star Andrea, 33, since 2006, but they broke off their romance after she accused him of cheating on her on social media.
      Andrea, real name Teodora Rumenova Andreeva, won numerous beauty pageants including Miss Sofia and Miss Tourism Bulgaria.

      Andrea is a huge pop star in BulgariaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreabulgaria/

      When Andrea was a teenager she won Miss Sofia and Miss Tourism Bulgaria beauty pageantsCredit: Instagram @andreabulgaria

      Andrea was one half of Bulgaria’s most famous celebrity couplesCredit: Instagram @andreabulgaria

      Bulgarian beauty Andrea has also amassed over 320,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreabulgaria/

      Andrea’s real name is Teodora Rumenova Andreeva

      Andrea reportedly began dating Pulev in 2006

      Andrea stuck by her man when he was accused of sexual harassment

      Like many boxing Wags, Andrea enjoyed jumping into the ring when her partner’s fights endedCredit: Instagram @andreabulgaria
      She has won over 30 awards like “Balkan Star” on “Beogradski Pobednik” in Belgrade, “European Performer of the Year on “Kralevski Festival” in Kraljevo Serbia, “Balkan Star” on “Montefolk Awards” in Montenegro.
      And Andrea is hugely popular on social media, amassing over 350,000 followers on Instagram.
      She recently posted a series of photos of them together on social media, sparking rumours that there has been a reconciliation.
      But neither of them have officially revealed they are back together.

      ONE BLIP ON HIS RECORD
      Pulev boasts a professional fighting record of 28-1, with the only man to defeat him being someone Joshua has beat in the past.
      In 2014, Pulev fought Wladimir Klitschko at the O2 World Arena in Hamburg and met his match.
      In a one-sided duel he was knocked down three times before Klitschko put him out of his misery and knocked him down one final time with a devastating left-hook in the fifth.
      “Wladimir is a really good opponent, but he was lucky. I want a rematch,” Pulev said after the fight.
      He never got one.

      Pulev boasts a 28-1 record and hails from BulgariaCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Like Anthony Joshua Pulev has gone toe-to-toe with Wladimir Klitschko in the ringCredit: AFP – Getty

      Pulev was floored by Klitschko three times before being knocked outCredit: Getty – Contributor

      A left hook finished Pulev off in the fifth roundCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SNUBBED GERMANY
      He’s not called ‘The Pride of Bulgaria’ for nothing.
      Named after a Bulgarian medieval ruler, and born in Sofia, Pulev could never align himself with another nation.

      But over the years, he has declined several lucrative financial offers to fight for Germany.
      However, Pulev views it as a matter of principle and has said he would never change his national allegiance.
      Germany’s loss is Bulgaria’s gain, and he will be wearing their flag when he steps into the ring with Joshua next.

      Tyson Fury tells Anthony Joshua to grow a pair and step up to fight More

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      Martin Bakole is Congo royalty fighting to dethrone Anthony Joshua as heavyweight king – via Scotland

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      MARTIN BAKOLE ILUNGA is the African prince fighting to dethrone heavyweight king and friend Anthony Joshua.
      The son of the ruler of the Kananga province in the Congo has boxing and Irn Bru running through his royal blood after moving to Scotland to chase his dreams.

      Martin Bakole are pals outside the ring but brutal rivals inside the ropesCredit: Instagram @martin_bakole_ Follow

      Bakole moved to Scotland to chase his dreamsCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      When big brother Ilunga Makabu came to Goodison Park in 2016 to take on Tony Bellew, Bakole came along and stayed in the UK before quickly becoming AJ’s favourite sparring partner.
      Now based in Aidrie, the softly spoken 6ft 6in star has a 15-1 record and has been the go-to-guy for hard rounds when Joshua prepared for Carlos Takam, Alexander Povetkin and most recently Kubrat Pulev.
      This Saturday he shares the bill with AJ – who defends his titles against Pulev – as Bakole faces Sergey Kuzmin on the undercard. 

      As the heavyweight’s career hotted up his fearsome reputation and lack of home-city support provided a bad blend for his early career, which made finding fights hard to get.
      As a result, Michael Hunter was flown in from LA in 2018 and caused the upset, to hand Bakole his first ever loss.
      But, Channel 5 showed the fight and the terrestrial screening gave millions the chance to be glued to their screens back in Africa to support their travelling brother.
      Bakole said at the time: “Channel 5 work with Star Times, a big TV company in Africa so all my fans in the Congo get to see me fight.

      “I know when I am on live TV everyone is watching me at home, in cafes and bars.

      Bakole will fight Sergey Kuzmin on Saturday

      “They all make plans and meet up to watch the fight together and when I get to go home they treat me like a king.
      “It gives me so much extra motivation to do well for my family and for them.”
      Despite Hunter bringing an end to Bakole’s unbeaten run in ten rounds, the 27-year-old proved mentally and physically tough enough to bounce back.
      He has won four on the spin since and earned himself a deal with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
      And despite the loss, AJ still invited Bakole back to his Sheffield training base for regular sparring sessions. 
      The battling pair have swapped numbers and they are friends outside the ring.
      But it is an unspoken fact that AJ – who is of Nigerian heritage – has three of the four major belts that Bakole has his eyes on.

      Anthony Joshua has regularly used Bakole for sparringCredit: @martin_bakole_

      Joshua and Bakole shared Whatsapp messages togetherCredit: @martin_bakole_
      And Bakole knows how quickly the practice sessions could turn into a title clash, as he dreams of bringing a mega-fight to Africa.
      He told Sky Sports: “One hundred percent, of course. It would be a big show, not only for Africa, but for the whole world.
      “Imagine if Joshua fought in Nigeria or my home in Congo.
      “We have really good sparring. A lot of people avoid sparring me so when he gives me the chance, I always go.
      “You can’t go into a fight without good sparring. I go to Joshua not with the attitude of a sparring partner – I go for myself.
      “I have a very good relationship with Joshua. He is my best friend, we joke on WhatsApp.”
      Bakole has also gained vital experience in the gym with the likes of Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce as well as Tyson and Hughie Fury.

      Joe Joyce has sparred Bakole beforeCredit: @martin_bakole_

      Daniel Dubois pictured after sparring with BakoleCredit: @martin_bakole_
      But his trainer Billy Nelson fears the performances in the gym could end up scaring off the competition long-term.
      He explained:”Martin is the most avoided heavyweight on the planet.
      “He hasn’t even shown 75 per cent of what he’s really got.
      “Boxers are intelligent. They know. When Martin out-skills somebody in sparring they go home and think: ‘Why would I fight Bakole wearing 10oz gloves when he hurt, cut or wobbled me wearing 20oz gloves?'”
      But Bakole will get his chance to shine when he provides undercard action for Joshua.
      Kuzmin has lost just once – to Hunter last year – and made his mark in London in 2018 as he stopped Liverpool’s David Price. 
      The Russian is ranked 13th in the WBA – meaning Bakole has the chance to inherit his spot with a win.

      Bakole with his Scottish trainer Billy NelsonCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Joseph Parker says that Joshua will beat Pulev in upcoming fight More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev: UK start time, date, live stream, TV channel, undercard, ring walks for title fight

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      BOXING gets even bigger this weekend as Anthony Joshua prepares to take on Kubrat Pulev in a huge heavyweight clash in front of 1,000 fans 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 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 at 6pm on Saturday.
      Joshua vs Pulev ring walks can be 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.
      Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev (WBA, IBF, WBO heavyweight title)
      Lawrence Okolie vs Nikodem Jezewski (cruiserweight)
      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)
      Ramla Ali vs Vanesa Caballero (featherweight) More

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      Why is Tyson Fury not fighting Deontay Wilder for a third time? Will he be at Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev?

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      TYSON FURY could move straight into a fight with Anthony Joshua next year, rather than fight Deontay Wilder again.
      Fury knocked Wilder out in emphatic fashion back in February to win the WBC world heavyweight title.

      Tyson Fury decimated Deontay Wilder in seven rounds in FebruaryCredit: Reuters

      They were supposed to meet again in the ring this year, but there’s been a whole host of hurdles in the way of the trilogy fight,
      Meanwhile, Joshua takes on Kubrat Pulev this weekend, and Fury could make an appearance at the show.
      Why is Tyson Fury not fighting Deontay Wilder again?
      As soon as Wilder found himself in the right state of mind following his loss to Fury, the American exercised his rematch clause.
      Since then, however, it’s been far from plane sailing in regards to getting a fight finalised.

      Promoter Bob Arum originally called for it to take place on July 18, but those plans were quickly scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic.

      Fury is looking to fight Anthony Joshua in his next boutCredit: AFP – Getty
      The fight was moved to October 3, but because of the absence of fans, it was then moved to December.
      Fury says he agreed to all the dates proposed to him in the final month of the year, and December 19 was agreed upon.
      Throughout all of the negotiations, however, Wilder made serious allegations about Fury’s conduct during their first two bouts, to which the Gypsy King says has ruined the Bronze Bomber’s chances of ever fighting him again.

      Fury won the WBC world title from Wilder in FebruaryCredit: AP:Associated Press
      December 19 was quickly nixed when Arum announced FOX and ESPN in America put the college American football schedule at the forefront of their plans.
      And it was then that Fury’s team declared the contract to have expired, with Arum stating that Wilder’s fate would be decided by a judge in the U.S.
      Should the judge vote in Wilder’s favour, Fury will likely fight him next, but he could instead choose to take on Joshua if the ruling favours him.
      Will Fury be at Joshua vs Pulev?
      Rumours have been floating around that Fury will be at Wembley Arena to watch Joshua vs Pulev.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn has even said that the Gypsy King is welcome to attend and that he’d love to see the pair face off after.

      @anthonyfjoshua has it ever dawned on you I’m not interested in being a superstar, or famous, I’m a fighting man & only interested in smashing your face in, u keep the stardom, I’ll stay real, #youbigdosser I’m coming for u superstar, tick tock tick tock ⏰⏰⏰⏰⏰⏰ pic.twitter.com/4rq5QMoV5P
      — TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) December 7, 2020

      “If he wants to fight Anthony Joshua, it’s not a case of calling him out, it’s called doing his research and building the fight,” Hearn said.
      “Tyson Fury is more than welcome to come down.

      Eddie Hearn has invited Tyson Fury to Anthony Joshua’s fightCredit: PA:Press Association
      “I only live 45 minutes away from Wembley.
      “He can come around on Sunday afternoon for a roast as well, if he wants, and a cuppa. We just want to get that fight made.” More

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      Lawrence Okolie record: Height, weight, reach, stance, pro record and amateur wins for European champion ahead of fight

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      LAWRENCE OKOLIE is in action again this weekend on the Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev undercard.
      The cruiserweight contender was supposed to fighting Krzysztof Głowacki for the WBO world title but the Polish fighter tested positive for coronavirus.

      Lawrence Okolie will be hoping to fight for the WBO cruiserweight world title this weekendCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Okolie will still feature on the bill and promoter Eddie Hearn has explained it still be for the world title – against Nikodem Jezewski.
      Regardless, The Sauce will feature for the first in a ring since October 2019, when he beat Yves Ngabu at the O2 Arena.
      What is Lawrence Okolie’s boxing record?
      As a professional boxer, Okolie’s record is 14-0 with 11 of those fights coming by stoppage.
      Okolie biggest fight to date was against compatriot Issac Chamberlain in a battle dubbed ‘British Beef’, which 27-year-old won on points.

      Lawrence Okolie beat Yves Ngabu for the European title last yearCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      After beating Chamberlain for the WBA continental cruiserweight title, Okolie went on to win the Commonwealth and British straps against Luke Watkins and Matty Askin.
      Okolie then picked up the European title in a brilliant seventh-round TKO of Ngabu last October, in his second fight with trainer Shane McGuigan.
      Lawrence Okolie height, weight, reach and stance
      The Sauce stands at a lofty 6ft 5in and at the weigh-in will be as heavy as 14st 3oz, or 200lbs.
      Okolie has previously spoken about moving up to the heavyweight division, where his own manager Anthony Joshua is competing.

      Lawrence Okolie is 14-0 as a professional fighterCredit: Reuters
      Joshua is the WBA, WBO and IBF champ in boxing’s blue riband division.
      Okolie’s reach is just over 82 inches and he is ranked as the seventh best cruiserweight in the world by Ring Magazine.
      Okolie is right-handed, therefore he fights out of the orthodox stance.
      Lawrence Okolie amateur career
      Okolie won gold at the European Olympic qualifying competition in Turkey back in 2016.
      He defeated France’s Paul Omba in the final, having beat Abdulkadir Abdullayev in the semis.
      Okolie was then selected to compete for Great Britain at the Rio Olympics that very same year.

      Lawrence Okolie teamed up with Shane McGuigan last yearCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He won his opening fight against Igor Jakubowski before losing to stylish Cuban Erislandy Savon in the next round.
      Okolie also fought in the World Series of Boxing for the British Lionearts and also lost to Savon, but this time by TKO.
      He turned pro soon after, signing a deal with Hearn and Matchroom, before penning a management contract with Joshua and 258 Management. More

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      Anthony Joshua fight fans WILL be allowed to drink beer while watching Kubrat Pulev clash at Wembley

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA toasted the return of fans who can knock back booze watching his comeback on Saturday.
      The heavyweight king defends his crowns against Bulgarian veteran Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena, with 1,000 lucky punters present.

      Anthony Joshua doesn’t seem too fussed with only 1,000 fans in attendance on fight nightCredit: ©Ian Walton

      And the UK fight fans who have been gasping for live blood, sweat and tears can now be ringside with drinks in their hand.
      Joshua, 31, checked into the fight hotel yesterday morning before facing a Covid-19 test and 24hr quarantine while awaiting the result.
      He said: “I like it, it will be intimate. It’s nice for the fans.
      “It is a special occasion to watch a heavyweight championship fight among 1,000 people when normally there would be tens of thousands of people.”

      Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed fans have got the green light to knock back pints.
      He said: “Yes, there will be a one-way system on the concourse.
      “You will not be able to drink your beer standing around, you will take your drink and go back to your seat.
      “There will also be, in the hospitality area, a pre-fight meal and then you go to your seats for the fights. Any drinking will be done in your seats.”

      Kubrat Pulev gets his shot at the big time and multiple world titlesCredit: ©Mark Robinson/Matchroom

      Joshua has been letting sparring partners pound him in preparation for his long-awaited ring return.
      A year ago yesterday, the British heavyweight star jabbed and moved his way to a rematch win over Andy Ruiz Jr.
      It came six months after he was dropped four times and stopped in a firefight with the flabby stand-in.
      That painful first defeat — and the doubts over his chin and durability — were not quashed by a revenge mission on points.
      So a return to his lethal best is desperately needed when he faces wily Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena on Saturday.
      Joshua, 31, admits he has given heavy-handed David Adeleye, Fabio Wardley and Hosea Stewart free rein to attack him at his Sheffield training base.

      Anthony Joshua to fight Kubrat Pulev in front of 1,000 fans at Wembley More