AJ (23-1, 21 KOs) was set to fight Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs) back in 2017, but the challenger was forced to pull out on late notice with an injury. The Bulgarian gets his shot at Joshua this evening, however, and – after the pair’s hostile face-off at yesterday’s weigh-in – many are expecting the bout to end in a knockout due to the bad blood between the opponents. Pulev has only lost once to another victim of Joshua – Wladimir Klitschko, who delivered a vicious five-round beating back in 2014 – but Saturday signals, in all likelihood, his last chance at becoming a world champion.
There’s a packed undercard, too, with Lawrence Okolie and Hughie Fury in action. Follow all the latest from the undercard and main event below.
JOSHUA VS PULEV – ROUND 8
A sweet right hand from Pulev! Joshua retaliates with hooks on either side, but they meet Pulev’s guard. He opts to jab the Bulgarian’s body. Good head movement and footwork from the champion. Pulev initiates a few clinches to make it through the round.
Alex Pattle12 December 2020 23:24
JOSHUA VS PULEV – ROUND 7
Joshua steps in with a right hand and slings an uppercut afterwards. Pulev’s problem at the moment is that he’s stepping in on wild punches and ending up in clinches, where he isn’t having much success.
Joshua puts together a series of uppercuts and SOMEHOW Pulev laughs them off!
Alex Pattle12 December 2020 23:19
JOSHUA VS PULEV – ROUND 6
Pulev is showing real heart, but Joshua is remaining composed. It’s a more even affair at the moment, with Pulev trying his best to drag AJ into uncomfortable exchanges. A smart end to the round likely takes it for the champion.
Alex Pattle12 December 2020 23:15
JOSHUA VS PULEV – ROUND 5
Pulev targets Joshua’s body but gets caught on the end of a one-two! Still the challenger comes forward, landing a right hand of his own. Joshua seems unfazed but gets hit again! The champion implements some good head movement in the latter stages of the round, however.
That’s Pulev’s best round so far.
Alex Pattle12 December 2020 23:11
JOSHUA VS PULEV – ROUND 4
Joshua is talking to Pulev now… His jab is giving him plenty of confidence. Pulev, to his credit though, appears to be much more lucid than he was in the last round.
The Bulgarian steps in on a jab and misses with a winging right.
Another round in the books – another for AJ.
Alex Pattle12 December 2020 23:07
JOSHUA VS PULEV – ROUND 3
The heavyweights exchanged smiles at the end of the last round and seemed to want to touch gloves.
Pulev is chasing Joshua a little bit here. The champion is staying composed.
A beautiful right straight from Joshua as Pulev steps in! Pulev tries to laugh it off, but he’s hurting here! Joshua is pouring it on and Pulev turns his back! He’s given a count and the fight will continue…
An uppercut takes Pulev off his feet! He’s back up but for how long?!
Alex Pattle12 December 2020 23:03
JOSHUA VS PULEV – ROUND 2
Immediately things open up a little in this frame. Joshua still sticking behind his jab, though, with Pulev in the centre of the ring. AJ snaps his challenger’s head back slightly with a left hand, then puts together a strong combination, hooks leading into a swift uppercut! Pulev looks a bit wary… He misses with a wild hook, then Joshua finds more success with his jab, both to the head and the body.
A good round for the champion.
Alex Pattle12 December 2020 22:59
JOSHUA VS PULEV – ROUND 1
It’s a cagey start, with both men hesitant to throw. Both are feinting frequently and look laser-focused. Joshua lands a couple of decent jabs. Pulev finds a home for a hook as he takes the centre of the ring. Not a lot to separate the fighters!
Alex Pattle12 December 2020 22:55
Alex Pattle12 December 2020 22:52
Alex Pattle12 December 2020 22:51
