Thursday, April 25, 2024

COVID-19: Anthony Joshua’s world title defence against Pulev postponed

Anthony Joshua’s world title fight against Kubrat Pulev has become the latest sporting event to be cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The fight was set to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, June 20, but has now been postponed indefinitely.

A statement from fight promoters Matchroom Boxing said a new date was “being worked on” and added: “We will announce any updates in due course and continue to explore the possibility of hosting this fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”

The news will not come as a surprise to sporting fans as events big and small around the globe have been cancelled due to the outbreak.

Kubrat Pulev, 38, is the mandatory challenger to 30-year-old Anthony Joshua’s IBF belt and was supposed to fight Joshua in Cardiff last October but had to reschedule due to a shoulder injury.

Anthony Joshua fought through panicky moments to out-box Andy Ruiz
Victory – Anthony Joshua has not fought since December when he regained his belts from Andy Ruiz Jr

Joshua has not fought since December when he claimed victory over Andy Ruiz Jr and regained his belts after losing them to the Mexican-American last June.

All fights overseen by the British Boxing Board of Control until the end of May have been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The statement from Matchroom Boxing comes shortly after the Premier League announced that the football season would be suspended indefinitely.

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