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'Either fight or vacate the title', Kubrat Pulev warns Anthony Joshua

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: May 21, 2020, 01:31 PM IST
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Photograph:(AFP)

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Pulev was set to face Joshua in 2017 but the Bulgarian had to withdraw the match following an injury. 

Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev has said that he will not walk away from his chance to win the world heavyweight belts. He warned Anthony Joshua to "either fight or vacate the title".

The bout between Pulev and Joshua for the IBF title was scheduled to take place on June 20 but it got postponed due to coronavirus pandemic. 

"I can't understand why we are still postponing instead of fixing a date and venue and getting to work?" said Pulev.

"Enough is enough. I can't wait to win this fight.

"I see how people are afraid of me and are trying to face someone else before me. That's not how a real-world champion should act."

Pulev was set to face Joshua in 2017 but the Bulgarian had to withdraw the match following an injury. 

Currently, Joshua holds the IBF, WBA and WBO belts and has shared his desire to face WBC champion Fury for the title. But Fury is due to face Deontay Wilder for the third time when boxing returns following its shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I did it once when I didn't have to do it for Joshua to have his second match against Ruiz Jr. Everything was against IBF's rules, but I compromised," said Pulev.

"A year has passed and they always have a reason to postpone, not to fight against me. There are two options. You either fight or vacate the title."

Pulev's record stands at 28 wins from 29 bouts, while Joshua has 23 wins from 24.