Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev date: Eddie Hearn makes statement on title fight – Will it go ahead in December? Where will it take place?

2 months ago 3

Anthony Joshua is still set to face Kubrat Pulev in their rearranged world heavyweight title match this December, Eddie Hearn has said.

The Brit was set to face his IBF mandatory challenger in June before a proposed clash with Tyson Fury to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion.

However, the COVID-19 outbreak saw the fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium scrapped and postponed indefinitely.

Joshua is the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion of the worldGetty Images - Getty

Yet Joshua recently told fans that they are in for a Christmas cracker during his commentary for Dillian Whyte’s defeat to Alexander Povetkin in August.

He told Sky Sports: “There’s a potential date in December. I’d fight today, but we’ve got to wait till December.”

Promoter Hearn has confirmed that Joshua v Pulev is still set to go ahead in December despite the latest government guidelines coming into force.

The fight is expected to be held at The O2 without fans but there is also interest from around the world in staging Joshua’s title defence.

Hearn said: “Obviously today’s announcement [Tuesday, September 22] is a massive challenge for everyone in sport.

“Our intention now is carry on with all our scheduled events. Clearly the finances are affected by not having crowds, even smaller crowds, but we’re working to keep our schedule. That includes Joshua.

“You have two options – cancel or go ahead, quite possibly without a crowd. You’d still hope that by December you might have some back but you can’t plan on that now.

“We’ll go ahead in December for Joshua because it’s been a year since he fought Andy Ruiz and he needs to fight.”

Joshua vs Pulev: What about Tyson Fury?

It has been confirmed that Joshua will face Fury in two all-British blockbuster bouts in 2021 providing he comes through his clash with Pulev.

It is understood that the two camps have been in talks over an undisputed title bout since early May.

Hearn said: “It’s fair to say [Joshua and Fury] are in agreement regarding the financial terms.

“We’re in a good place. It’s fair to say that, in principle, both guys have agreed to that fight. Two fights.”

Meanwhile, Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, said: “The only way it could not happen is if one of the guys gets beat.

“Every one wants it to happen. For me this will be the biggest sporting event in this country with these fighters – four belts on the line, two Brits fighting for the world title, both champions. This is just mega. I think it’ll be the biggest sporting event in this country since England won the World Cup in ’66.

“[Fury’s] really happy… it’s something he wants, something he’s wanted for a long, long time.

“I think it’s a great fight for both of them and for fans in this country and round the world.

“It’s not going to get any more competitive than this.”

Fury and Joshua are the current heavyweight boxing champions