IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, will defend his titles against Kubrat Pulev at the world-class Tottenham Hotspur stadium on Saturday 20 June.
It will be his first fight on UK soil since defeating Alexander Povetkin at Wembley in September, 2018.
One of the most iconic figures in British sport, ‘AJ’ recaptured his belts and position as the Unified Heavyweight World Champion with a masterful unanimous decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia in December, having lost to the Mexican at Madison Square Garden six months earlier. That was Joshua’s only defeat in 24 fights, winning 21 by KO.
The IBF’s mandatory challenger, Pulev, from Bulgaria, has won 28 of his 29 bouts, his only loss to Wladimir Klitschko in a world title fight back in 2014.
“On June 20, I am defending my Heavyweight World Titles,” said Joshua.
“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.”
Promoter, Eddie Hearn, added: “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 June 20 – a destructive performance on the road to undisputed.”
Pulev said: “I am happy to have the opportunity to show the world how strong I really am. Becoming a Heavyweight World Champion has always been my mission in life and on June 20, 2020, I will fulfil my destiny!”
