A member of Kubrat Pulev’s promotional team has warned Anthony Joshua there will be consequences if the Briton attempts to bypass a title defense against the Bulgarian and fast-track a superfight with fellow titleholder Tyson Fury.
Pulev’s co-promoter and right-hand man Ivaylo Gotzev told Press Box PR that Joshua promoter Matchroom Boxing has considered skipping the agreed-upon bout with Pulev, which Eddie Hearn says he is looking to stage before the year is out.
The third fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder might not happen any time soon because no spectators have been allowed to attend events. That could open the door to a fight between Fury and Joshua early next year.
“That’s something that they have always contemplated at their end. But that door will be closed with a lawsuit if they break our deal and our contract,” Gotzev explained.
“There are some very good attorneys in England and some very fair courts. So it will come down to whether they want to decide whether they want that or not.”
That said, Gotzev remains confident it will not come to that.
“I do believe AJ and his promoter will do the right thing and do as they say and finalize the deal,” he said. “Through blood sweat and tears Kubrat earned his position to challenge AJ. Will they overrule his rights, can they all overrule his rights? That’s entirely up to them if they want to try that.
“… There’s a signed agreement.”
According to Gotzev, it appears Joshua-Pulev is indeed close to being finalized, but the final pieces of the puzzle belong to the champion’s side. Hence the anxiousness emanating from Team Pulev.
“We are in the final stages of closing the deal, which we are extremely happy with,” he said. “It’s now up to Eddie to conclude their part. Our signature will come to the fore a lot easier than theirs.
“We’re adjusting the original contract. It’s finally going in the right direction that keeps both sides happy.”
And it appears London is the likely destination.
“To become a champion you must go into foreign lands and conquer and that’s what Kubrat has decided to do,” Gotzev said. “That’s where the victory will be the sweetest and the most legitimate. Let’s do it in London.
“We’re going for the knockout. Kubrat is a man’s man. He has heart, skill, talent and he’s going to upset the apple cart. The question is: Is AJ a man or is he still a mama’s boy?
“Kubrat is the big underdog. It’s like a Rocky story. AJ is a physical specimen, he’s like Apollo Creed, and we’re bringing in Rocky. When he upsets AJ that’s the end of Matchroom’s reign.”
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