Anthony Joshua is set to defend his IBF, WBA, and WBO world heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev in what will likely be the biggest fight to take place on these shores during the remainder of 2020.
Joshua is hoping to move a step closer to that dream unification showdown with fellow British heavyweight king Tyson Fury next summer, while for the veteran Pulev this could be the last chance of victory at the very highest level.
While Joshua will start as a hot favorite to retain his titles and close in on that huge Fury showdown, heavyweight boxing is a dangerous game. And ‘The Gypsy King’ may well be sat behind his sofa in Morecambe. Lancashire with his eyes closed hoping nothing goes wrong for his big rival.
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Joshua vs Pulev date, time and venue
Joshua vs Pulev is finally set to take place at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, December 12, 2020. It is hoped some spectators will be in attendance, with UK Government regulations apparently set to allow arenas to be 25 percent full from October onwards.
The fight had initially been due to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20, but that date was scuppered by the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
With the bout taking place in the UK, ring walk times for Joshua vs Pulev are likely to be between 2200 GMT and 2300 GMT.
Joshua vs Pulev TV channel and live stream
Joshua is a huge box-office draw and his last bout that revenge victory over Andy Ruiz Jr in their rematch in Saudi Arabia last December – drew a domestic record 1.6million pay-per-view buys on Sky Sports Box Office. Each paid £24.99 for the privilege.
The Pulev fight is again likely to be a Sky Sports PPV with Joshua continuing his highly successful association with the UK’s biggest pay-TV broadcaster.
Joshua’s fights meanwhile have aired in the United States on streaming platform DAZN since 2018, but Pulev’s co-promoter Bob Arum has mooted the possibility this bout could be shown on ESPN instead.
He says the potential for the college football season to be badly affected by the COVID pandemic means the value of a Joshua vs Pulev fight in the late Saturday afternoon/early evening slot in the United States is significantly increased.
Joshua vs Pulev odds
Not surprisingly Joshua is a heavy favorite to improve his record to 24-1 and retain his world heavyweight titles. He is a best-priced 1/8 to come out victorious and as short as 1/10 in places. Pulev meanwhile is generally a 5/1 or 11/2 shot with the Draw a 33/1 or 40/1 chance.
For those punters looking for a little better in terms of return for their money, Joshua is 3/1 to win by decision or technical decision.
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