The unified world heavyweight champion of the world, Anthony Joshua, and his IBF mandatory challenger, Kubrat Pulev, sat down for the first time in front the media today at a press conference.
There was barely any heat or animosity between the two fighters and the general mood was business as usual for both sides.
Promoter Eddie Hearn took the stage first and detailed Joshua’s career and mentioned the Olympic Gold, Commonwealth title, and finally winning the world titles.
Hearn then started listing Pulev’s achievements and brought up the fact that the challenger is a top 5 fighter according to all the big promotions and The Ring magazine.
“It’s incredible to think of the journey to get here. Everyone who experienced April 29 will not forget the Klitschko fight. But this is not about one night, it’s about creating a legacy. I can tell you, he’s more determined than ever to go on and defend his titles against all comers. And what a great fight we have here with Kubrat Pulev,” said Hearn.
Hearn talked the about the undercard for a bit and mentioned a bunch of Matchroom’s biggest names such as Kal Yafai, Joshua Buatsi, and Katie Taylor, who will be fighting for a world title also on October 28th against Anahi Sanchez for the WBA World lightweight title.
But then it was time for the champ to speak up about his upcoming fight.
“Most definitely looking forward to get back in the ring, after April 29, question was when is next. I’ve been ticking over, training ever since I let my body recover. I’m looking forward to expressing a different approach to my boxing skills. Now I can show what I learned from my last fight. It’s about finesse, outclassing your opponents, I can go to war but I can do it at ease as well,” commented Joshua.
Meanwhile, Pulev had a lot fewer words to say.
“I feel great. I feel ready, I feel very energised,” said the ‘Cobra’.
When asked about Joshua’s fight against Wladimir Klitschko, Pulev stayed neutral.
“I would say that the fight was very good, both fighters very strong. Chances were 50-50,” he commented.
Check out the intense faceoff between the two.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6vMLMGuC1A
(Video By Boxing Nation)
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