After being out for a year after avenging his first professional defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr., current unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to face the challenger KubratPulev on December 12.
Pulev is the IBF mandatory challenger and legendary promoter Bob Arum chooses him to upset the British champion.
The Top Rank Promotions head explained that Joshua was beaten by Ruiz, who is not a heavy hitter. It can clearly remember that Joshua was shocked, so was the boxing world.
During their rematch, Joshua fought safely by keeping his distance from the smaller Ruiz. He was running around the ring until the last bell rang.
It made Arum’s prediction that Joshua is still vulnerable, especially against Pulev, who has shown his power to knock out his opponent.
“So I think Joshua is still vulnerable, and Pulev is a real tough, rugged heavyweight,” he said.
Joshua’s loss means a step farther from the possible undisputed heavyweight showdown against fellow British boxer Tyson Fury.
While a victory could lead to both camps, finalizing the most significant British fight in history.
Fury is also scheduled to fight in December; however, his opponent has yet to be named.
Joshua currently has 23 wins with 21 knockouts and one defeat, while Pulev has 28 wins with 14 knockouts and one defeat.
In terms of age, Joshua is way younger at 31, Pulev is already 39 years old.
Arum said that Pulev could upset Joshua despite the age gap.
Age will play a significant role in their fight. The 39-year old heavyweight would have a hard time if the fight lasted until the 12th round.
He might not last until the last round, especially against Joshua, who can tire him out.
Joshua still has the height advantage as he stands at 6 feet and 6 inches. Pulev is two inches shorter.
With the statistics being laid out, does Arum made a wise prediction about the Joshua-Pulev fight?