KUBRAT PULEV knows he is ascending to a new level when he challenges for Wladimir Klitschko’s heavyweight crown in Hamburg on Saturday (November 15). “No one in the heavyweight division has the experience he has. He is also extremely diligent and professional with his training regime. He knows what he has to do at the right time,” Pulev told Boxing News. “But I will show him angles he has not seen before.”
Shannon Briggs has become a regular fixture, popping up to harass Klitschko in an effort to goad the champion into a fight. Pulev in contrast, unbeaten in 20 fights and among the best of the available contenders, is a credible Klitschko challenger. “Briggs is not a boxer but a showman. He’s more like a circus clown,” he said. “But you also need those guys in the sport. The last time I heard people talking about professional boxing they it’s a 50-50 kind of thing. 50 per cent show – 50 per cent sport.”
The heavyweight division is growing in interest, with Deontay Wilder closing in on a clash with Bermane Stiverne for the latter’s WBC heavyweight title. “I can see no favourite in this bout. Wilder might have the potential but is not proven at this stage of his career. Stiverne is a good fighter but I am not really sold on his skills and work ethic when I look at his body,” Pulev said.
The Bulgarian also sees a new figure appearing on the scene – Britain’s Anthony Joshua. “He’s young, he’s talented, probably the biggest talent at heavyweight in years,” Kubrat said. “But him and his team should take it step by step – time is on their side. He should work his way to the top step by step. Then he might very well be a future world champion.”
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