Joshua: I’ve got to break Pulev’s soul

With most fans focusing on his projected two-fight series with WBC king Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua is not looking past his IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.

WBA Super, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) meets the dangerous Pulev at the O2 Arena on December 12, knowing victory should propel him to the most lucrative bouts of his seven-year pro career. One week earlier, Fury is set to face German Agit Kabayel in his final hurdle before the richest fight in British boxing history.

With Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs) likely to begin in aggressive fashion, Joshua is aiming to break the Bulgarian’s spirit early in a fight that could be a potential banana skin before those money-spinning clashes with Fury. Pulev doesn’t possess social media clout, but inside the ropes he hits hard enough, says Joshua.

“He’s not a social media famous boxer – that’s where a lot of people get their credibility in this day and age,” Joshua told Sky Sports. “In terms of what he stands for? What he represents? He has been around a long time. He knows his way around the ring.

“He possesses a challenge. He wants the titles and he wants to beat me. That’s what he possesses – hunger and motivation. I’ve got to take away that motivation and suppress that confidence.

“That’s how you beat somebody, by breaking their soul.”