The date is set for the return to the ring for Anthony Joshua, as he defends his WBA (Super), IBF, IBO heavyweight titles against the Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev. The odds were last updated on December 11, 2020:
Anthony Joshua goes into the fight the clear favourite across various recommended sportsbooks. Though we should not forget Joshua came undone against Andy Ruiz just two fights ago, conceding his titles at Madison Square Gardens.
Will Joshua falter once again?
Anthony Joshua (1.10) vs Kubrat Pulev (7.00)
Kubrat Pulev is looking in great form, with a record of 26-1, he will fancy himself to beat the Brit in Wales. Pulev and his team will be aware of the weaknesses of the British fighter and will look to exploit them.
Joshua isn’t as complete a fighter as the WBC World Champion Tyson Fury, but he is still an excellent boxer, both physically and technically and will be a real test of the Bulgarian. Pulev recently said; “I know the match will be terrifying, but physically I feel energized and mentally I am ready, and I have a good chance to win.”
A win here for the champ and we could see a Joshua vs Fury fight in 2020 if Fury overcomes Deontay in the third bout.
Joshua’s record is 23-1 winning 21 of those by KO. He’s physically the best-built fighter in the heavyweight division and has a great ability to match it. He has great accuracy and can walk down his opponents for 12 rounds without looking tired.
Take Joshua to win.
Anthony Joshua to win by KO/TKO (1.44)
Pulev hasn’t lost since 2014, winning eight fights between now and then with two wins coming via KO/TKO. He’s picked up 14 KOs in 28 wins over the course of his career.
Andy Ruiz shocked the world in New York when he caught the British Champion on the back of the head and left him helpless for the remaining rounds. Joshua looked much better in the second fight but was hesitant and unconvincing in the end.
Though it felt as if he just wanted to get the win and move forward. He’s training much harder and looks a lot sharper this year. Expect a different fighter than what we saw in the desert. He knows the Fury fight will be one of the biggest fights in recent boxing history and will be focused on making sure he’s a part of it.
Pick AJ to win by KO/TKO.
