Dec 10, 2020
Anthony Joshua will defend his heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev on Saturday, and this is usually where some will tell you that Pulev is dangerous, that he is heavy handed, that if Joshua isn’t on his game the once-beaten unified champ could absorb his second upset loss in as many years.
Except he isn’t. Sure, Pulev, 39, is a worthy title challenger, with one defeat on his resume, a knockout loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. Since then Pulev has rattled off eight wins in a row, including a decision over Dereck Chisora and a knockout of ex-title challenger Samuel Peter. In an era of undeserving mandatory challengers, Pulev has legitimately earned his opportunity.