Kubrat Pulev has been somewhat of a forgotten quantity since he pulled out of his world title fight against Anthony Joshua. However, the former # 1 ranked heavyweight contender for the IBF governing body is still targeting a match-up with the unified IBO, IBF and WBA (Super) world heavyweight titleholder, Anthony Joshua.
“He’s still, I would say, [one of the] top three or four heavyweights out there at the moment, so the AJ fight is not forgotten,” Sauerland told Sky Sports exclusively.
Asked if Pulev still wants the Joshua fight, he added: “Yes, of course. I don’t know if Joshua still wants it. It’s a big fight for Pulev, anyone fighting against Joshua is now.
I'm proud with my graffiti image in my home city Sofia. We need beauty and inspiration all around us! pic.twitter.com/WePjZE4vjn
— Kubrat Pulev (@KubratPulev) May 3, 2017
Touching on his magnitude of a fight with Joshua, Kalle Sauerland shared that he feels Joshua has now transcended the sport making every opponent he faces a captivating matchup.
“He’s eclipsed the world champion boxer, eclipsed the heavyweight world champions, he’s a world superstar.”
Touching on his fighter’s rehabilitation from his shoulder injury, Sauerland shared that Pulev is back in the gym and they are looking at organising where he goes next.
“I think he’s back in light training,” said Sauerland. “We’re obviously planning his next move at the moment.”
Furthermore, Sauerland shared that Pulev feels regret over losing out on the exposure and a very lucrative pay package against Joshua. “He’s obviously very disappointed about pulling out so close to the fight. A huge event, but obviously at the same time, a huge payday.”
Manuel Charr became the first Lebanese world champion in boxing history last week. Charr claimed the WBA (regular) world heavyweight title against Russia’s Alexander Ustinov. Sauerland expressed interest in exploring if it is a viable alternative to take on Charr.
“With Charr winning, there (are) a few options out there now. It’s a viable fight definitely for Pulev,” Sauerland concluded.
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