Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev: London date set for heavyweight world title defence

The contracts have been signed, Pulev said on social media

Kubrat Pulev will fight heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in London on 12 December, Bulgaria's IBF mandatory challenger said on Monday.

The 39-year-old had been scheduled to meet Joshua on 20 June but the fight was postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

"No turning back, no procrastination! Kubrat Pulev vs Anthony Joshua! The date is December 12th and the place is London!," the Bulgarian, known as 'The Cobra', said on his facebook page.

He added on his website that "the date and place of the event are now final and not subject to change, and both parties have signed the official contract".

Joshua, 30, defeated Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jr in a rematch in Saudi Arabia last December to win back his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO titles.

The Briton was initially due to fight Pulev at Cardiff's Principality Stadium in October 2017 but the Bulgarian withdrew after suffering a shoulder injury in sparring.

Pulev challenged for the IBF world heavyweight title in 2014, losing to Wladimir Klitschko in Hamburg on a fifth-round knockout.

Reuters