Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev: Date, UK start time, undercard, location and live stream for huge heavyweight title bout THIS WEEKEND

Anthony Joshua makes his boxing return on Saturday night as he takes on Kubrat Pulev in a blockbuster heavyweight clash.

The British heavyweight superstar was due to face his IBF mandatory challenger in June in front of 60,000 people at Tottenham’s stadium.

Getty Images – Getty

However, the COVID-19 lockdown saw that put on hold and Joshua will now take on Pulev at Wembley Arena, with just 1,000 people allowed in to watch.

But after a difficult year, boxing fans will at least get to see AJ in action once more ahead of what should be a thrilling 2021 in the sport.

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When is Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev?

• The heavyweight title fight is on Saturday, December 12
• It will take place at Wembley Arena in London, with 1,000 fans able to attend
• The undercard will get under way at 6pm, with the main event slated to start at around 10.30pm
• The fight will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office from 7pm
• talkSPORT will bring you regular updates of the fight on the radio

How can I watch Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev?

• The fight is live on Sky Sports Box Office at a cost of £24.95
• Their coverage will start at 6pm with a stacked undercard ahead of the main fight
• You don’t have to be a Sky customer to watch it – you can live stream for the same price on your computer, mobile and tablet devices
• Box Office is also be available on BT TV. There are two ways to make the purchase – by tuning to channel 496 or by searching for the event in the BT Player

Joshua v Pulev: What has been said?

Joshua is targeting a 2021 showdown with fellow world champion Tyson Fury, but insists he is not looking past dangerous Bulgarian Pulev and is wary of the threat he poses.

He said: “Pulev is named after a great Bulgarian warrior and he has that warrior spirit, he carries the hopes of his nation.

“He is tough, he has a great jab and he will dig deep. He has found a way to beat every opponent, except Klitschko, but I know I have prepared well and I should be victorious.

“I know lockdown has been tough but for me it has been a blessing.

“I have concentrated on training, on improving my boxing, all year. I haven’t had to do much commercial or promotional stuff, I have had more time with my family and more time to train seriously. And the longer I wait for Fury, the better prepared I’ll be.”

Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Pulev said: “For a small country of Bulgaria to stand up for the heavyweight titles is a great accomplishment.

“This fight is for my late father and all Bulgarians around the world! I’m coming to London to seize the heavyweight championship of the world.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn, meanwhile, said: “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see fans returning to our live boxing events.

“Whilst the team have done an incredible job over the last 10 months we live and breathe through the energy and atmosphere that a live crowd generates.

“It’s so fitting that they can return for an AJ fight, when through the last few years he has broken all kinds of attendance records in the U.K. and beyond. This is such a positive move for boxing and all sport. Welcome back!”

Matchroom Boxing

Joshua v Pulev: Undercard

Up and coming cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie will fight on the undercard as he looks to take his unbeaten professional record to 15 wins.

However, it won’t be for the vacant WBO cruiserweight title after initial opponent Krzysztof Glowacki tested postive for COVID-19 and was forced to pull out.

Okolie will now take on Nikodem Jezewski, who is ranked outside the top 15 by the WBO.

Hughie Fury, cousin of world champion Tyson, will be in action against Mariusz Wach, who lost to Dillian Whyte last year.

• Anthony Joshua v Kubrat Pulev – for WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles
• Lawrence Okolie v Nikodem Jezewski – cruiserweight contest
• Hughie Fury v Mariusz Wach – heavyweight contest
• Martin Bakole v Sergey Kuzmin – for vacant WBC international heavyweight title
• Kieron Conway v Macaulay McGowan – super-welterweight contest
• Qais Ashfaq v Ashley Lane – super-bantamweight contest
• Florian Marku v Alex Fearon – welteweight contest

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Anthony Joshua next fight: AJ’s lean and muscular physique for Kubrat Pulev clash built by chicken, spinach and shadow-boxing in the sand

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Joshua v Pulev: Tale of the tape

Joshua – Pulev

Nationality: British – Bulgarian

Age: 31 – 39

Height: 6ft 6 – 6ft 4

Stance: Orthodox – Orthodox

Reach: 82in – 79in

Record: 23-1-0 – 28-1-0

KOs: 21 – 14

Rounds: 103 – 203

Debut: 10/05/2013 – 19/9/2009

Nickname: AJ – The Cobra