It is fair to say that British boxer Anthony Joshua’s star is on the rise. The current IBF, IBO and WBA (Super) champion has been perfect (19 fights, 19 wins by KO) ever since making his professional debut back in October 2015. Next up is a date with mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on 28th October. The event has sold out in record time, with well over 70,000 fans expected to descend upon one of Britain’s most iconic venues for the fight.
At first glance, Joshua is understandably favourite to improve his record to a perfect 20. He edges the Bulgarian Pulev in terms of reach, is eight years younger and should have a plenty of home support in the Principality Stadium. Pulev has won just half his fights by KO, whereas Joshua has only needed to go further than the third round just three times in title fights.
More tellingly perhaps, are their respective performances against Vladimir Klitschko in recent years. Pulev struggled against the big Ukrainian, getting knocked down three times before losing by KO in the fifth. By contrast, Joshua knocked out Klitschko in the 11th round. The fight said a lot about Joshua’s resilience and character, with the Watford-born fighter coming back strong in the later rounds and eventually wearing Klitschko down.
Still, as all fans of heavyweight boxing know, nothing is a foregone conclusion in this division. Moreover, Pulev is no journeyman. He is ranked among the top four heavyweights in the world by BoxRec and has proved in the past that he should not be written off. He is a wily boxer, having honed his ring-craft throughout many years as an amateur. He has a defensive style, but earning a nickname like the Cobra demonstrates that he has the ability to strike, fast. If you think you know what way the fight will go, you can find lots of markets to bet on Pulev vs Joshua at William Hill right now.
Joshua undoubtedly will have been studying the tapes of Pulev’s bout with Klitschko. The Ukrainian exposed Pulev’s fondness for keeping his hands low, which allowed Klitschko to land several clean shots to the head. If Pulev gives Joshua the same openings, the fight could be a short one and very one-sided.
If, as expected, Joshua triumphs, then there will be limited options for him to take the next step in the division. The most intriguing possibility, and most likely to have a big fight feel, is a match with WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder. The American fighter has 18 first round knockouts and is unbeaten in 38 professional fights (37 KOs). However, before Joshua starts thinking about a potential clash with Wilder, he must navigate the tricky waters represented by Pulev.
The huge crowd in Cardiff should set up an electric atmosphere, as they cheer on the man with all the potential to be Britain’s best heavyweight since lennox lewis. Will Joshua take another step on his path to greatnessIJ It won’t be long until we find out.