Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua vs. Kubrat Venkov Pulev

Hopefully.

 

The bodybuilder looks like he's been on the juice again, judging from that picture posing with those paper titles. 3 more months before he's KOed by another B level heavyweight! Just don't let Pulev hold those belts again Anthony, you might not get them back this time! lol

 

Good test for the unification fight with Fury. See how Joshua handles an awkward opponent with a good jab and long reach.

 

He should look to put on a showcase against Pulev.

Hes faster, more powerful, younger and probably more skilled than Pulev.

Should be looking for a mid fight stoppage.

 

Yeh looking to put on a showcase worked really well against Ruiz!

In all seriousness, for himself and his team, he just needs to win. Style points wont make an undisputed fight any more or less likely.

 

Ruiz, despite his girth is an explosive, fast, fighter.

Pulev is a guy who has relied on being moderately skilled and big.

He literally has no advantage over Joshua.

 

A fight no one wants to see, I can't see this selling out or doing well on PPV

 

It's Joshua vs whoever... people will buy.
And this isn't a bad fight at all. I dare to say that if Wilder would fight Pulev, he would slot in just behind Ortiz and is actually far more proven.

 

That would make sense and is the logical fight which most fans want to see... and if so, what a year this would be, with two blockbuster heavyweight fights. But given this is boxing and how much the promoters love to marinate in recent times... I'm not hugely optimistic this happens this year!

 

I hear you.

However, if Fury repeats his win against Wilder and ends the year beating Joshua, that would be the best HW year for one fighter in decades.

 

It will be quite a technical fight, until Joshua lands the first big shot on Pulev's chin and finishes him in the same round or one/two rounds later. Possibly another round 7 KO.

I just don't believe the unification fight happens this year, it would be too easy after all the failed negotiations over the past few years. Joshua may plan a comeback in the USA first and take on Kownacki, Ortiz or Miller if he's allowed to fight again. Although, Whyte would deserve a shot at Joshua much more, but that would be too easy aswell. Hearn wants Whyte-Wilder to be done I think.

 

Pre-Ruiz Joshua would of probably walked right through him in 3-4 rounds. I expect Joshua to be more patient, gradually break Pulev down and stop him in 6-7 rounds.

 

Joshua Vs Povetkin didn't sell out, were 10,000 + empty seats. This does not sell out I guarantee

 

So AJ may have the WBO belt stripped?

 

I wonder if AJ will set his feet for this one, or is he forever now a overly-cautious fighter? That's the only real interest I have in this fight...