Joshua and Pulev reschedule title fight for December

Anthony Joshua will defend his world heavyweight titles for first time this year when it was confirmed he will face Kubrat Pulev on Dec. 12 in London.

Joshua was first scheduled to meet Pulev in October 2017 in Cardiff but Bulgarian withdrew with an injured shoulder. Pulev won six straight fights to become a mandatory challenger, but ir June 20 bout was postponed because of coronavirus pandemic.

Joshua's WBA, IBF, and WBO titles will be on line in his first home fight in more than two years, his promotion company Matchroom anunced on Friday.

spectators have been allowed at boxing in England during pandemic, but Matchroom said it will try to make a case for a limited live crowd at O2 Arena.

“Without fans something huge is missing,” Joshua said. "I am really hoping that, safety permitting, we might be able to bring some boxing fans in. Dec. 12 is date and once again heavyweight belts go up in air and it is my sole focus to make sure that come Dec. 13 y are in ir rightful place in U.K.

“I respect every opponent and I respect Pulev. I wish him well during his preparation.”

Joshua and Pulev each has only one professional loss: Joshua to Andy Ruiz last year, and Pulev to Wlimir Klitschko in 2014.

“For a small country of Bulgaria to stand up for heavyweight titles is a great accomplishment,” Pulev said. “This fight is for my late far and all Bulgarians around world.”

Joshua will be aiming to put away Pulev and set up a title unification bout against WBC champion Tyson Fury in an all-British blockbuster next year.

Im credits: AP