British boxing star Anthony Joshua has confirmed a homecoming fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London against Kubrat Pulev on Saturday 20 June.
After bouts against Andy Ruiz Jr in New York and Saudi Arabia, champion Joshua will now defend his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO world titles against Bulgaria’s mandatory challenger.
The title fight, live on Sky Sports Box Office, is promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Top Rank and Epic Sports and Entertainment.
Ticket information for the 20 June event will be announced soon.
2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details
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What the fighter say
Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs)
“On 20 June, I am defending my heavyweight world titles. I’m back in my home city after some time away. A spectacular stadium has been built in north London and I’m honoured to bring the boxing community from all over the world to witness us make history with the stadium’s first heavyweight world title fight. The belts go back up in the air and nothing will stop me from being victorious.”
Kubrat Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs)
“I am happy to have the opportunity to show the world how strong I really am. Becoming the heavyweight champion has always been a dream of mine and on June 20, 2020 I will fulfil my destiny.”
What the promoters say
Eddie Hearn, managing director, Matchroom Boxing
“I’m so excited to see Anthony Joshua return to the capital, 70,000 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is going to be very special. 2019 was a crazy year that had everything – the only thing missing was a UK fight and as we go into what I believe will be the biggest year of ‘AJ’s’ career so far, all our attention turns to Kubrat Pulev in an absolute must win fight.
“Pulev is undefeated in six years and his team and especially Bob Arum really fancy this. I think you are going to see something special from AJ on 20 June – a destructive performance on the road to undisputed.”
Bob Arum, chairman, Top Rank
“Kubrat Pulev has earned his ranking, and he is going to enemy territory prepared to pull off the upset. Ever since Top Rank signed Kubrat last year, I have seen a determined heavyweight on a mission to win the heavyweight title.
“He has been in this situation before, and he won’t be intimidated by the tens of thousands of Joshua fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. June 20 is going to be another historic evening in the heavyweight division.”
John Wirt, president, Epic Sports and Entertainment
“This fight has been a long time coming, but we finally have Joshua cornered and on 20 June, I guarantee Pulev will be victorious and Great Britain’s recently-acquired chokehold on the heavyweight division championship will be brought to quick and sudden ending.”
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