Pulev Warns: We Won't Run From Anthony Joshua, We Will Fight!

 By Shaun Brown

“We will not hug, we will not run back, we will fight.”

The words of Kubrat Pulev (25-1, 13 KOs) who is expected to be officially confirmed tomorrow as the opponent for Anthony Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) on October 28 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Joshua will defend IBF, IBO and WBA world heavyweight titles against the 36-year-old Bulgarian which will see Pulev, a former European champion, challenge a second time for a world title. In 2014 Pulev was taken apart in five rounds by then IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko.

Talking about the fight on his Facebook page today Pulev said: “Anthony Joshua is a formidable and a dangerous opponent. But his style fits mine perfectly. In boxing, styles make the fight.

“My preparation is very intensive despite the little time left. I will be perfectly ready when I enter the ring, so that he will not have any chance against me.”

Joshua unified the heavyweight division back in April in front of 90,000 people at Wembley Stadium when the 27-year-old Brit stopped Klitschko in the 11th round of a modern day heavyweight classic.

The rematch looked set to take place later this year in Las Vegas before Klitschko announced his retirement from boxing last month.

Pulev holds three wins over British opposition having beat Matt Skelton in 2010, Michael Sprott in 2012 and most recently Dereck Chisora last year when Pulev gained a split decision victory over the former world title challenger. Joshua, however, is a different level of British competition and will likely start a long odd-on favourite for their fight.

Joshua’s promoter had already mapped out a three-fight plan which included Pulev, Luis Ortiz and WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Wilder could face Ortiz on November 4 with the winner of both fights primed to face each other early next year.