Anthony Joshua-Kubrat Pulev Exchanged Barbs Weighing In Friday

Unified Heavyweight Champ, Anthony Joshua, is set to defend his titles Saturday night in London. And, he and IBF #1 contender, Kubrat Pulev, stepped on the scales Friday afternoon to make things official, but then had to “sell” their PPV bout a little more with some “pro wrestling-like” insults.

First, the particulars, the WBA, IBF and WBO Heavyweight title holder looked sculpted and stepped on the scales at 240.8 lb. in advance of the first defense of his second reign as champ,

⚖️ The Champ @anthonyfjoshua ⚖️#JoshuaPulev pic.twitter.com/BhEXYmZ1rN

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 11, 2020

If you are curious that is only one pound heavier than “AJ” was last December in the Andy Ruiz rematch, which he won easily by unanimous decision.

For his part, the 39 year old Pulev showed off his abs, shirtless, and was 239 lb. for Saturday night’s second Heavyweight Title challenge of his career. He was kayoed by Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 for his only pro loss.

Then, the two fighters actually met up, as Joshua was leaving the weigh in area. And, they engaged in the typical “faux” heated comments and finger pointing to help promote tomorrow night’s main event.

?What sparked the fireworks?

This is what was said between @Anthonyfjoshua and @KubratPulev at today’s weigh-in ? pic.twitter.com/Y1aG8OC1Tl

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 11, 2020

Pulev continued to yell over the noise of the small gathered crowd and music playing, “tomorrow night, I show you,” as he pointed at Joshua.

Pulev hopes to land his big right hand, but obviously, will have serious challenges with the speed and power with either fist from the young, dynamic Joshua.

Joshua, 23-1, 21 KOs,  had originally signed up to defend against the Bulgarian in June at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in front of over 65,000 fans. However, the Covid-19 pandemic scuttled that and has delayed the fight now into the winter months. This is part because Hearn was holding out hope that some fans would be able to attend the title showdown.

But, instead of 90,000 at Wembley Stadium like what Joshua fought in front of/fed off the energy of in previous title defenses, this bout will be in the much smaller Wembley arena and have only 1,000 socially distanced fans in attendance.

Pulev, 28-1, 14 KOs, was last in the ring in a largely dull 12 round decision win over American Rydell Booker last November.

Now, the talking, mainly from the challenger, is basically over and it’s time to see if he will be any threat to the heavily favored champ.