Joshua vs Pulev Betting Tips and Preview

Anthony Joshua puts his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO titles on the line against Kubrat Pulev on Saturday night although the build-up to the fight has been dominated by a potential double header with WBC holder Tyson Fury next year.

Eddie Hearn says he is as “close to 100 per cent” as he can be to finalising a Battle of Britain in 2021, but Joshua has to fulfil his side of the bargain by defeating the 39-year-old Bulgarian in front of 1,000 spectators at Wembley’s SSE Arena.

Joshua is fighting for the first time since regaining his belts from Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia a year ago having lost to the American in New York six months earlier.

Anthony Joshua1/10Draw33/1Kubrat Pulev11/2

Fight night information

When is it? December 12th

What time will it start? Ring walk at around 22:00

Where is it? Wembley’s SSE Arena

Which channel is it on? Sky Sports Box Office

The two men were due to fight at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in 2017 but a shoulder injury sustained while sparring meant Pulev had to pull out.

They have lost just one fight in their professional careers and both men faced Vladimir Klitschko in the past with very different outcomes.

In 2014, Pulev suffered a fifth-round knockout at the hands of the Ukrainian, although ‘The Cobra’ revealed this week that his focus had been distracted by ticket sales and money which meant he was not relaxed.  

Three years ago, Joshua’s reputation was raised to superstar status with an 11th-round stoppage of defending champion Klitschko despite having been knocked to the canvas in the sixth.

Fury’s first cousin Hughie also fought Pulev just over two years ago and despite a strong display, lost on points after a unanimous decision in Sofia where a cut eye in the second round meant he had to “go out like a maniac”.

He said: “You can’t underestimate Pulev, he’s got a good jab but when I was in the fight I felt quite comfortable.

“I think Pulev is more vulnerable in the latter stages, he is getting on isn’t he and I wobbled him in the seventh or eighth round, but I just didn’t have energy to get him out of there because I gassed myself out.”

Joshua looks to be in peak condition and does not have any problems ahead of Saturday’s showdown and we expect his age, reach and height advantage to wear down his rival before an explosive finish in the latter half of the bout is produced.

The 31-year-old Watford boxer insisted he was ready to take punches and go all 12 rounds if needed to ensure he takes his record to 24-1 on Saturday.

He said: “I will definitely get hit and he will definitely get hit and it will be about the last man standing. I am prepared for it to go to the final bell, I feel I am a 15-round fighter and if it needs to go 12, I am ready.”

We don’t expect it to go that far but predict the fight to go over 7.5 rounds at 21/20 as the first of our Joshua vs Pulev betting tips.

In the round group betting, Joshua to win between the seventh and ninth rounds also appeals at 10/3.

Both men are likely to be ring rusty after a year out and although Pulev is sporting a more slender physique than usual, that won’t be enough to keep him away from Joshua’s reach in the latter stages.

Joshua had his mind on Deontay Wilder when he lost to Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden 12 months ago but put in a much more disciplined performance in the rematch in Saudi Arabia.

We expect Joshua to be focused without taking too many risks, especially in the early rounds, but his superior fitness will tell ultimately.

Josua vs Pulev Predictions

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