Kubrat Pulev has vowed to “expose” unified heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua when the pair meet on December 12.
Joshua will put his IBF, WBA ‘Super’ and WBO belts on the line in a rescheduled mandatory showdown with the Bulgarian at the O2 Arena, after their June 20 meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was postponed, amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Joshua, 31, makes a first return since claiming his titles back from Andy Ruiz Jr, following a resounding points victory in their rematch in Saudi Arabia in December, however former world title challenger, Pulev insists he’ll deliver a performance similar to the Brit’s shock loss to Ruiz Jr in New York in June 2019.
“This is going to be a mind game and a chess game for as long as it lasts – a master chess game – but the only difference is the end is going to come like lightning,” Pulev told Betway Insider blog.
“I can tell the fans that I will expose AJ again and prove they have been idolizing the wrong guy. I will expose him to the world for a second time.”
Former world title challenger, Pulev only has one defeat on his record in an 11-fight career to Wladimir Klitschko, losing by fifth round stoppage in a challenge for the IBF crown in 2014.
And the 39-year-old, who has the opportunity to scupper a two-fight deal between Joshua and WBC world champion Tyson Fury, agreed for 2021, insists his rival lacks mental strength, which he believes will be a key factor in their clash.
“I have been watching his fights carefully. He has a good style and he is a good specimen, but he has not shown any mental toughness,” Pulev added.
“Yes, he has skills, but he hasn’t shown the mental strength. This is something from within, in the blood of a man, and he does not have it.
“Whatever mental toughness he’s got, I know I’m the harder person. This is the difference – my toughness will prevail.”
Detailed meetings taking place and we will make an announcement in due course 👍 https://t.co/xFeicTwewa
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) November 23, 2020
Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed earlier on Monday that he will be holding discussions and intends to make an “announcement in due course,” after the government announced that stadiums will re-open to limited fans when the UK national lockdown ends on December 2, with the fight initially set to be held behind closed doors at the O2 Arena.
