Anthony Joshua finally returns to the ring and defends his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles against Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev.
Before what is shaping up to be a huge 2021, Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) will return to the ring after a year away in a title defence against Kubrat Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs) on Dec. 12.
Joshua regained the WBA, WBO and IBF titles in a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. last December in Saudi Arabia after being stopped by the Mexican-American in an upset at MSG that summer.
His first title defence since taking the championships back was delayed for a long time by the COVID-19 pandemic — first with the lockdown that stopped live events for several months, and then due to Eddie Hearn’s hope of being able to welcome a crowd to Joshua-Pulev.
The fight will go ahead with about 1,000 fans, ensuring the ring rust has been shaken off before Christmas. And if the Brit is able to retain against the Bulgarian, a massive unification fight with WBC titleholder Tyson Fury looks to be on the cards next year.