Anthony Joshua saved his career last December with a master win over Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia to reclaim his world heavyweight titles.
AJ will now put these belts back into play this summer, which could be a huge year for him.
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Anthony Joshua to face Kubrat Pulev in London on June 20
Six months after his shock defeat against Ruiz Jr in New York, the Briton produced an almost perfect performance for Diriyah to defeat the Mexican in the rematch.
Tyson Fury’s astonishing victory over Deontay Wilder led to calls for an all-British mega-fight between him and Joshua, but Wilder’s decisions for a third confrontation postponed matters.
Although this huge fight may take place later this year, Joshua will be in action before as he seeks to present a show in London.
Joshua vs Pulev: Date and time
Joshua will return to the ring to face the 38-year-old Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20.
The fight will see AJ making a long-awaited return to London who has not fought in his hometown since his Wembley victory over Alexander Povetkin in September 2018.
The Tottenham Hotspur multi-purpose stadium, which opened last April and has also hosted NFL games, can accommodate up to 62,000 people.
Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev will face off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
As the fight takes place in the UK, combat fans can expect it to start around 10 p.m.
The exact times have not yet been confirmed and will depend on how the sub-map is played, which has not yet been announced.
IBF mandatory challenger Pulev had to withdraw from a fight with Joshua at the Principality of Cardiff stadium in 2017 due to an injury, but will now try his luck at the world titles.
He said, “I’m glad to have the opportunity to show the world how really strong I am.”
Champion Joshua said, “On June 20, I defend my world heavyweight titles. I am back in my hometown after a while.
“A spectacular stadium has been built in North London and I am honored to bring the boxing community from around the world to make history with the stadium’s first heavyweight title fight.
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“The belts go up in the air and nothing will prevent me from being victorious.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn added, “I’m so excited to see Anthony Joshua coming back to the capital, 70,000 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is going to be very special.
“2019 was a crazy year that had it all – the only thing missing was a fight in the UK and as we embark on what I think is the biggest year in AJ’s career so far, all of our attention turns to Kubrat Pulev in an absolute must. -the fight.
“Pulev is undefeated in six years and his team and in particular Bob Arum really want this. I think you are going to see something special from “AJ” on June 20 – a destructive performance on the road to undisputed. “
Anthony Joshua could face Tyson Fury later in 2020
Joshua vs Pulev: tale of the band
Joshua – Pulev
Nationality: British – Bulgarian
Age: 30 – 38
Height: 6 feet 6 to 6 feet 4
Position: Orthodox – Orthodox
Reach: 82in – 79in
Sheet: 23-1-0 – 28-1-0
KO: 21 – 14
Round: 103-203
Debut: 10/05/2013 – 19/9/2009
Nickname: AJ – The Cobra