Tag Archives: Kubrat Pulev

Don King Productions Announces October 4th Showdown Between WBA No. 1 Contender Michael Hunter & World Champion Kubrat Pulev

Miami, FLA. (Agosto 13, 2025)The world’s greatest boxing promoter the legendaryDon Hari has announced a new date and location for the WBA Heavyweight World Championship featuring current championKubrat “The Cobra” Pulev to face off against No. 1-ranked WBA contenderMichael “The Bounty” Hunter.

The exciting night of fights will take place onOktubre 4at Miami’sJai-Alai Fronton Casino, King has announced, despite the threats of a lawsuit by Epic Sports and Entertainment representatives who King says continue to spread lies that Hunter is unavailable for this fight.

Hari, who in the spring won the $1.1 million purse bid by the WBA to stage the fight originally scheduled for August 23rd, said he still has a binding three-year contract with Hunter that was signed in February of 2024 and then was victorious in two consecutive appeals to the WBA by Epic Sports and Entertainment to prevent the fight from happening.

“The threats of lawsuits continues against the WBA by Epic Sports and Entertainment,” King said in a statement. “It’s all corruption, fraud, bribery, rigged schemes and crooked scams by Epic Sports appealing to the WBA for reconsideration of the WBA purse bid, for Pulev vs Hunter, which DKP won. Ngayon, Epic Sports is trying to change and to nullify the bout. This clouds the atmosphere with lies and the deception of the truth, fake and false news.”

King continued: “The WBA honorably stood up for their rules and regulations and declared the purse bid valid and legitimate, as held, then Epic Sports and the WBA champion Kubrat Pulev made an appeal to change the meaning of the WBA rules and regulations…The WBA honorably denied the champion Kubrat Pulev and Epic Sports, then Epic Sports rewrote the purse bid contracts just as though they had won the purse bid, and asked the WBA to dishonorably and illegally grant their appeal.”

King said now that the WBA has made its decision to uphold the purse bid decision regarding Kubrat Pulev, na, upon approval by the WBA, he has announced the October 4ika date and Miami location for this fantastic heavyweight championship title bout to take place.

“However, John Wirt never stops in trying to prevent the bout, for the No. 1 contender Michael Hunter, not to fight. Now Epic Sports John Wirt and Ivaylo Gotzev are filing a lawsuit for the arbitrations against the WBA’s decisions of justice and fair play against their Epic Sports and Entertainment Company.

“However, DKP will not wait for that decision to come about. DKP will stand up and support the WBA’s honor and credibility in their decision for fair play and justice regarding the WBA purse bid situation. The credibility of the WBA is at stake.”

King said the October 4 card will also feature DKP fightersBlair “The Flair” CobbsAdrien “The Problem” Broner and former WBC Cruiserweight World ChampionNoel Mikaelian.

Last weekend, DKP issued a cease-and-desist order to SELA and TKO Group Holdings, Inc., after it was reported that there was a fight in the works that would pit Hunter against Jarrell Miller on September 11ika during the mega-fight week featuring Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford in Las Vegas.

WBA No. 2 Heayweight Contender MichaelThe BountyHunter Is Ready to Take on Champion Kubrat Pulev

Miami, FLA. (Hulyo 17, 2025) WBA Heavyweight contender Michael “The Bounty” Hunter is ready to show the world that he means business in the heavyweight division. Hunter is looking forward to his bout with WBA Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev.

The world’s greatest promoter, Don Hari, who won the $1.1 million purse bid by the WBA and Hunter’s promoter, has stated that it is all systems “go” for the title fight.

While Epic Sports and Entertainment representatives, who embarrassed the WBA at the purse bid, continue to spread lies that Hunter is unavailable for this fight…this fight will be taking place for the WBA Heavyweight Championship.

“Yesterday Don King and Noel Mikaelian slammed Jake Paul, and today, the great Michael Hunter and Don King are in the process of slamming Epic Sports and Entertainment and bringing boxing back to we the people,” said King. “Thank you, Miguel; you are truly a smart bounty hunter.

“Michael Hunter and I are inseparable. He is excited about being in the United Kingdom for the fight this week, and he’ll continue to train and get ready to knock out Pulev. He’s been working hard to prepare for this important fight of his career, and he’s looking forward to what follows as well. “He’s ready to prove to the world that he is the true heavyweight champion. Let’s make it happen.”

The Southern California native Hunter (24-1-2, 17 Kos) won the vacant WBA Gold Heavyweight Title in June, taking out Cassius Chaney in a 12-round unanimous decision at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FLA. In his last fight in December, Hunter registered a fifth-round TKO over Christian Larrondo Garcia in Mexico. Hunter’s only career setback came back in 2017 when he lost a unanimous 12-round decision to current Oleksandr Usyk, who in December beat Tyson Fury to become just the third boxer to become an undisputed world champion in the two weight divisions in the “four-belt era.”

Hall of Fame Boxing Promoter Don King Wins $1.1 Million Purse Bid To Promote WBA Regular Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev Facing No. 2 Contender Michael Hunter On August 23

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Hall of Fame Boxing Promoter Don King Wins $1.1 Million Purse Bid To Promote WBA Regular Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev Facing No. 2 Contender Michael Hunter On August 23

Miami (Mayo 28, 2025)Hall of Fame Boxing PromoterDon Hari has won a $1.1 million purse bid from the WBA for the right to promote a world title fight featuring current WBA (Regular) Matimbang World kampeonKubrat “The Cobra” Pulevfacing WBA No. 2 kalabanMichael “The Bounty” Hunter sa Sabado, Agosto 23 at a site to be determined.

It will be a true week of celebration during Fight Week as King will be celebrating his 94ika birthday on August 20. King said the location for the fight will be determined at a later date with Florida, Las Vegas, Ohio and Pennsylvania among the potential sites.

Fighting in his hometown of Sofia, Bulgaria, the crowd-favorite 44-year-old Pulev (32-3, 14 Kos) won the WBA (Regular) World Championship with his 12-round unanimous decision win over Mahmoud Charr last December.

The Southern California native Hunter (24-1-2, 17 Kos) won the vacant WBA Gold Heavyweight Title in June taking out Cassius Chaney in a 12-round unanimous decision at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FLA. In his last fight in December, Hunter registered a fifth-round TKO over Christian Larrondo Garcia in Mexico. Hunter’s only career setback came back in 2017 when he lost a unanimous 12-round decision to current Oleksandr Usyk, who in December beat Tyson Fury to become just the third boxer to become an undisputed world champion in the two weight divisions in the “four-belt era”.

CONFIDENT HUGHIE FURY WRAPPING UP ‘TORTUROUS’ TRAINING CAMP; ARRIVES IN BULGARIA SATURDAY TO FACE KUBRAT PULEV IN ‘FIRE & FURY’ IBF ELIMINATOR ON SATURDAY, Oktubre 27, IN SOFIA, BULGARIA

(Oktubre 18, 2018) Britain’s IBF #5-rated heavyweight contender Hughie Fury is putting the final touches on a “torturous” training camp and, with his team, will arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria, ito Sabado.

 

 

Sa Sabado, Oktubre 27, Galit (21-1, 11 Kos) ay nahaharap Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev (25-1, 13 Kos) in a 12-round elimination bout at the Arena Armeec in Pulev’s hometown of Sofia. The winner that night will become the first in line to face champion Anthony Joshua.

 

 

 

Ang kaganapan, entitled “Fire & Galit” will be presented by Ivaylo Gotzev and John Wirt’s Epic Sports and Entertainment, together with Fury’s promoter, Hennessey Sports, and will be broadcast live in the UK on Channel 5.

 

 

 

“I made a promise to beat Pulev in his own backyard and that’s what I’m going to do,” said a confident Fury. “Nobody else wanted this tough fight. That’s because they’re not future champions. I know what it takes and what you have to do to become the man. I don’t care if I fight Pulev in his own house. He’s in my way of what I want, and he’s got to go.”

 

 

 

Fury and father/trainer Peter Fury have been pushing it to the limit in their Manchester Gym, training twice a day, six days a week for up to three hours per session. But Fury, the current BBBofC British Heavyweight Champion, says all the work will soon be worth it.

 

 

 

“It will all be worth it when my hand is raised,” he continued. “There are no holes in my game right now. I’m at the top of my craft and once Pulev is eliminated, I’ll be coming for Anthony Joshua. He looked vulnerable in his last fight. I’m the one who will capitalize on those vulnerabilities!"

 

 

 

Despite his supreme confidence, defeating Pulev will be no easy feat for 24-year-old Fury. 37-year-old Pulev is one of the most popular athletes in all of Bulgaria, and a former two-time European and IBF International Heavyweight Champion. Pulev’s only career loss came in a challenge for the undisputed heavyweight championship against Wladimir Klitschko sa 2014. Britain’s Dillian Whyte and Americans Jarell Miller at Dominic Breazeale all declined to face Pulev before Fury accepted.

 

 

 

“After I walk right into Pulev’s hometown and take him out, something no other heavyweight would even dare to try, everyone is going to be talking about me and Anthony Joshua. I can’t wait to get this job done and move on to the world championship.”

 

KUBRAT PULEV PROMISING ‘FIRE & FURY’ IN IBF ELIMINATOR AGAINST HUGHIE FURY ON SATURDAY, Oktubre 27, IN SOFIA, BULGARIA

WORLD-CLASS HEAVYWEIGHTS VYING FOR THE RIGHT TO FACE ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. ALEXANDER POVETKIN WINNER FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Sa Sabado, Oktubre 27, “Fire & Fury” will collide, as IBF #2-rated heavyweight contender Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev will face Britain’s IBF #5-rated Hughie Fury in a 12-round elimination bout at the Arena Armeec in Pulev’s hometown of Sofia, Bulgaria.

 

 

 

Pulev (25-1, 13 Kos) and Fury (21-1, 11 Kos) will be competing for the right to face the winner of the September 22 showdown between champion Anthony Joshua at nagdududa Alexander Povetkin.

 

 

 

Ang kaganapan, entitled “Fire & Galit” will be presented by Ivaylo Gotzev and John Wirt’s Epic Sports and Entertainment, together with Fury’s promoter, Hennessey Sports, and will be broadcast live in the UK on Channel 5.

 

 

 

One of the most popular athletes in all of Bulgaria, 37-year-old Pulev is on a five-fight winning streak, including a TKO 3 over former heavyweight champion Samuel Peter. Among his many distinctions, Pulev is a former two-time European and IBF International Heavyweight Champion. He stands 6’ 4 ½” and weighs in around 240 lbs. Pulev’s only career loss came in a challenge for the undisputed heavyweight championship against Wladimir Klitschko sa 2014. Fury is the fourth opponent scheduled to face Pulev, as Britain’s Dillian Whyte and Americans Jarell Miller at Dominic Breazeale all declined the fight.

 

 

 

Pulev, who will be having his first bout since partnering with Epic Sports and Entertainment, says Fury better not be looking past him while preparing for this fight.

 

 

 

“The fact that Hughie Fury is coming to Bulgaria when many others ran away speaks volumes,” said Pulev. “I understand that he is very motivated because this is an eliminator fight for a chance at the world title. I suggest he stops thinking about the world title for a moment and come prepared for a real battle. I am already in beast mode and I’m hungry for my return in the ring!"

 

 

 

Fury hails from Manchester and is the current BBBofC British Heavyweight Champion and is trained by his father, Peter Fury. The 23-year-old stands 6’ 6” tall and also weighs in around 240 lbs. In September of 2017, Fury suffered his only career loss, a controversial majority decision to Joseph Parker for Parker’s WBO Heavyweight Championship.

 

 

 

“It’s taken a lot of time to make this fight happen and I want to thank all of those involved,” said Hughie Fury. “I want to fight for world titles and to do that I need to beat the guys at the top of the division. Kubrat Pulev is a serious fight for the mandatory position and I know I’ve got to be the real deal to beat him. I believe I’m going to do that in his back yard where others trembled at the thought of it.

 

 

 

“We want to be involved in these big fight nights and to go up against the big names that lead the division,” added father and trainer Peter Fury. “To become a world heavyweight champion, you’ve got to overcome every challenge that’s put in front of you. And for Hughie that starts in Bulgaria in October.”

 

 

 

“In this day and age, when some promoters and their fighters opt for the safest bets, Hughie Fury has done the opposite,” said Ivaylo Gotzev of Fury, who has faced his own share of delays and disappointments on his way to this eliminator bout. “Fury has decided to step into the Lion’s Den, and fight Kubrat in his home town of Sofia. This matchup is intriguing, as two of the best in the division step up and face one another. We expect a great heavyweight battle – one that will decide one man’s destiny to fight for the most coveted title in the world – the Heavyweight Championship. To all of Team Fury – you are welcome in Bulgaria!"

 

 

 

Hennessy Sports CEO Mick Hennessy, promoter of Fury, nabanggit: “First and foremost I’d like to heap praise on my young fighter Hughie Fury. There’s no pantomime and no theatrics. He’s just a young man, full of respect for everyone he faces, and who believes in giving the fans proper fights and value for money. Sa lamang 23 years of age Hughie is a massive talent. He’s not perhaps got the plaudits he deserves, so this is his moment to make the boxing world really sit up and take notice of what he’s capable of.”

 

 

 

“I’d also like to thank my counterparts at Epic Sports & Entertainment for making this fight happen. It’s taken a lot to get to this point, but we were determined to give the fans a fight that they deserve. Both teams are excited about this one.”

 

 

 

The stacked International undercard, along with ticket details, will be revealed shortly.

UNIFIED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANTHONY JOSHUA STOPS MANDATORY CHALLENGER CARLOS TAKAM IN 10TH

Joshua vs. Takam, The First of Consecutive Heavyweight World Title Fights On SHOWTIME, Replays TONIGHT at 10:40 p.m. AT/PT sa showtime; And On Sunday Morning at 10 a.m. AT/PT sa showtime Extreme

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CLICK FOR PHOTOS FROM CARDIFF; Credit Esther Lin / showtime

CARDIFF, WALES (Oktubre. 28, 2017) – Undefeated and Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua stopped IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam in the 10ika pag-ikot sa Sabado night at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, where the British sensation improved to 20 panalo, lahat sa pamamagitan ng knockout, and retained both his IBF and WBA world title belts.

Joshua vs. Takam was contested before a record 78,000 fans, the largest ever for an indoor boxing event and was the first of back-to-back heavyweight world title fights airing live on SHOWTIME. Susunod Sabado, Nobyembre. 4, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder headlines a three-fight telecast when he faces former world champion Bermane Stiverne at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Creative combinations and some inside fighting rarely seen from the rangy Joshua opened up a cut over Takam’s right eye and floored the challenger in the 4ika. Mamaya, Joshua opened another gash over the left eye but a bloody and battered Takam continued to press forward. Takam was able to land some significant punches in the middle rounds but not enough to take Joshua off his game.

Sa 10ika, after Joshua landed several big punches including a left-right combination that rocked the courageous challenger, referee Phil Edwards stepped in and stopped the fight at 1:34.

“I kept my composure,” said Joshua when asked about a head butt in the second round that may have broken the champion’s nose. “We will get my nose cracked back into place and then we can get back to training.”

When SKY Sports’ ringside reporter Andy Scott asked the beloved champion about a unification bout with fellow undefeated champion Wilder, Joshua said, “It has to happen. It has to happen for sure. When it comes down to it, the IBF, IBO and WBA have mandatory challengers. I can’t just fight any Joe Blow I want. I have to fight the obligations as champion and once I fulfill those, my door is open to fight anyone, be it Wilder or anyone else.

“Everyone saw how hard it took to get the belts,” he continued. “I am not giving them up for anyone.”

When asked about fighting overseas in America or elsewhere, Joshua replied to the delight of the U.K. fans, “As I said, it’s not my decision what happens outside the ring… but look at what boxing is doing. We are getting people coming in from all around the U.K. and from different countries. I think we should keep on boxing right here in the U.K.”

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ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. CARLOS TAKAM FINAL WEIGHTS, LITRATO & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR UNIFIED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Showtime Championship Boxing® Nakatira sa 5 p.m. AT/2 p.m. PT From Sold-Out Principality Stadium In Cardiff, Wales

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I-click ang DITO For Photos Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

CARDIFF, WALES (Oktubre. 27, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua tipped the scales at a career-high 254 pounds and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam measured 235 ½ pounds for their heavyweight showdown bukas sa showtime.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. AT/2 p.m. PT from sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff where an estimated 78,000 fans will converge for the largest indoor event in boxing history.

 

Joshua, who went past the 10ika round for the first time with a sensational knockout of Wladimir Klitschko on Abril 29, promised conditioning wasn’t an issue.

 

“I’ve been doing a lot more running. Maybe I’m starting to fill out as I get older and I’m starting to find my natural weight,” Joshua said. “Who knows what it is. I definitely feel a lot fitter than I have in previous fights.”

 

The referee for Sabado ng contest is Phil Edwards and the judges scoring ringside are Michael Alexander (Inglatera), Pawel Kardyni (Poland) and Ron McNair (New York).

 

If Joshua’s previous 19 bouts are any indication, the judges might not be necessary.

 

“I’m not going to say I’m going to knock him out and smash him up and all these types of things,” said Joshua, who has knocked out all of his professional opponents en route to unifying the heavyweight division. “But that’s what I have to do.”

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. CARLOS TAKAM FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

“He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.” – Anthony Joshua

“I saw Joshua go down. I saw he has a weak point.” – Carlos Takam

 

Showtime Championship Boxing® Nakatira sa 5 p.m. AT/2 p.m. PT From Sold-Out Principality Stadium In Cardiff, Wales

I-click ang DITO For Photos Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

CARDIFF, WALES (Oktubre. 26, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam faced off at the National Museum in Cardiff sa Huwebes during the final press conference for their heavyweight blockbuster ito Sabadolive on SHOWTIME from sold-out Principality Stadium.

 

Joshua and Takam will square off in front of an all-time indoor boxing record of 78,000 fans on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 5 p.m. AT/2 p.m. PT in the U.S.

 

Joshua (19-0, 19 Kos) returns for the first time since unifying the heavyweight division via knockout in a leading Fight of the Year thriller with long-reigning kingpin Wladimir Klitschko this past April.

 

“We’re going to have to put that Klitschko win to the side at some stage because boxing is unforgiving,” Joshua said sa Huwebes. “That was that. This is now. Carlos is a completely different animal than Klitschko.

 

“Who knows what’s going to happen in that ring Sabado. This division is unpredictable. You saw I got tired in the fifth round against Klitschko. Am I going to find out I’m only a five round fighter? Takam is tough and can go the distance. He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.”

 

Takam (35-3-1, 27 Kos) has experience in close bouts with reigning WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker and former challenger Alexander Povetkin. Ang 2004 Olympian from Cameroon enters the contest having boxed more than three times the professional rounds as Joshua.

 

“My experience will help me win the fight,” Takam said. “I’ve been in there with a champion. When we get in the ring it’s just two fighters. Only at the end of the fight will we know who the real world champion is.

 

“I saw Joshua go down. I saw he has a weak point, and we’ve been working on targeting that.”

 

Joshua and Takam meet 24 years after Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno squared off in the first all-British heavyweight world championship in front of more than 25,000 fans at the National Stadium in Cardiff. There will be more than 78,000 at the new National Stadium – Principality Stadium – sa Sabado.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say sa Huwebes:

 

Anthony Joshua

 

“Fighting is all I do. It’s all I know. It’s an honor to be defending these belts. I don’t always like to talk about the belts because I’ve always been a fighter before that and I’ve always had the ambition of being a talented fighter before I became champion. I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring and handling business.

 

“We’re going to have to put that Klitschko win to the side at some stage because boxing is unforgiving. That was that. This is now. Carlos is a completely different animal than Klitschko.

 

“I do know that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. In terms of style, technique and preparation, it’s completely different. Every camp is completely different. My mindset is completely different. All will be revealed Sabado. Best of luck to both men and the best man will win.

 

"[Trainer Rob McCracken] has never just trained me for one style of opponent. He’s trained me to be the best me. He’s trained me to be ready, to be fit, to be focused and to adapt new skills to my boxing. No matter who my opponent is, I’ll always be in good condition to compete against any champion or any contender in the world.

 

“We’re in the business of providing really good fights. We’re not here to tip and tap and run for 12 round. We’re here to get stuck in.

 

“I know what it’s like to be the non-champion fighting for a championship. When there’s that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it’s going to be competitive. This is heavyweight championship boxing. Both of us are on the same elite level so you’re going to see an elite fight.

 

“Who knows what’s going to happen in that ring Sabado. This division is unpredictable. You saw I got tired in the fifth round against Klitschko. Am I going to find out I’m only a five round fighter? Takam is tough and can go the distance. He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.

 

“With [Takam’s] style and his strength, I wish I came into this fight heavier so we could just stand there and slug it out with each other. Why’d I come in lighter? I thought I was fighting Pulev – a real amateur-style boxer. I had to stay off the line, jab with him and match his speed. Takam is a completely different style of fighter so I might have come in a bit heavier if I knew I was fighting Takam.

 

“I’m just a reflection of hard work. The UK boxing scene is quite grassroots. I still go to my amateur club. Just before this championship fight, I was training with all the amateurs – kids that were just 10 taong-gulang. You can only achieve what you see, so when they’re training with Olympians and professional World Champions, they’re inspired. That’s real nice to be the champion and still keep it real training with the grassroots athletes.”

 

Carlos Takam

“My experience will help me win the fight. I’ve been in there with a champion. When we get in the ring it’s just two fighters. Only at the end of the fight will we know who the real world champion is.

 

“I saw Joshua go down. I saw he has a weak point, and we’ve been working on targeting that.”

 

“I’m going to box my way. I’m going to come forward, fight my fight.

 

“I believe in myself. I’m confined. It wouldn’t be a shock if I won because of the confidence I have.

 

“When I heard about the fight, I was already in preparation for another fight so I had to completely change the way I trained to be ready for this fight. I’m coming out on the 28ika to win the fight.

 

“All I can do is invite you to see the outcome of the fight on the 28ika. I’m coming out to win.

 

“I know it’s going to be a great fight. This will change my life in boxing but not from the person I am.”

ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. CARLOS TAKAM PUBLIC WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Unified Champion Joshua Defends On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Nakatira sa 5 p.m. AT / 2 p.m. PT From Principality Stadium In Cardiff, Wales

 

I-click ang DITO Para sa mga Larawan; Credit Esther Lin / showtime

 

CARDIFF, WALES (Oktubre. 25, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam worked out in front of approximately 1,400 fans on Wednesday at St. David’s Hall in Cardiff, just three days before they square off ito Sabado nang live sa showtime.

 

The near-capacity crowd at the National Concert Hall of Wales serves as a prelude to the record-breaking audience expected at Principality Stadium sa Sabado where more than 75,000 fans will set boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record at the retractable roof facility.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. AT/2 p.m. PT from ringside in Cardiff as Joshua (19-0, 19 Kos) returns for the first time since unifying the heavyweight division. The undefeated British sensation picked up the WBA belt to go along with his IBF crown on Abril 29 in a leading Fight of the Year thriller with Wladimir Klitschko.

 

“We’re going to have a war. We’re going to wear our hearts on our sleeves,” Joshua said. “This is what fighting’s about. With me, it ain’t about all this other stuff that goes on outside the ring. When people come to watch me box, they know they’re going to have a good time. They know they’re going to see knockouts.”

 

Takam (35-3-1, 27 Kos), isang 2004 Olympian from Cameroon, packs a lengthy resume as he looks to shock the world and become heavyweight champion.

 

“He’s a world champion, he’s earned his belt,” said the 36-year-old Takam. “But I’m coming here to take it.”

 

Joshua vs. Takam is the first of two consecutive heavyweight world bouts on SHOWTIME. Susunod Sabado, Nobyembre. 4, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title in a rematch with Bermane Stiverne, the only opponent to last the distance with the American champion in 38 propesyonal bouts.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

“I’ve never been nervous about fighting but I think this stadium is going to be different. There’s a closed roof. I know the energy and the atmosphere is going to be bouncing up and down off the roof and it’s going to be nothing like before. Tulad ng sinabi ko, if Sabado night is a little bit like the people today here at the public workout, it’s going to be phenomenal.

 

“This is what fighting’s about – different styles and different types of opponents. But the best opponent you can work on is yourself so I’ve definitely been improving myself. I can talk about a million things I’ve been working on but at the end of the day, as soon as that first bell rings, that’s when it matters.

 

“We’re going to have a war. We’re going to wear our hearts on our sleeves. This is what fighting’s about. With me, it ain’t about all this other stuff that goes on outside the ring. When people come to watch me box, they know they’re going to have a good time. They know they’re going to see knockouts. They’re going to see a bit of blood and a bit of respect after.

 

“I think the UK has been sending a statement for a long time. It wasn’t so long ago that U.K. heavyweights or boxers weren’t getting a look. Ngayon, all the Americans are talking about U.K. fighters. We’ve definitely been sending a statement over to the States for a long time.

 

"[Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder] can watch me a million times but it’s so different when you get in these ropes. When you get in here, you can watch somebody a million times, but it’s a different challenge when you face someone face-to-face.

 

“We have to deliver. The fans know what they want, I know what they want. It’s my job to deliver. I haven’t got to say it – I know already and the fans know. Let’s just deliver Sabado night and we’ll look forward to a promising 2018.”

 

On opponent Takam, who became the mandatory challenger after an injury to Kubrat Pulev:

“First and foremost, massive credit to Eddie [Hearn] because he’s done amazing work. He was ahead of the game and he’s managed to allow this show to go ahead. Credit to Carlos Takam, a true athlete who stays fit all year round. He’s not someone who just trains for a fight, he seems to keep himself conditioned and that’s what we like. He’s the same as myself. And I think – what would I do? Would I give up the IBF belt? Hell no. I worked too hard for it.”

 

CARLOS TAKAM:

“I’m ready for this fight, I’m ready for everything he has. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. We were in the gym getting ready, hoping we would get this chance.

 

“He’s a world champion, he’s earned his belt. But I’m coming here to take it. You have to defend your title, and I’m not going to make it easy. I’m going to make this the fight of the year.

 

“If I can do things differently from what other boxers have done against him, I’ll have a chance to win by knockout.

 

“A lot of people have asked me if I see any weaknesses in Joshua’s style. All I can say is we will see on fight night.

 

“I’m not bothered about fighting in front of 80,000 mga tao, the only people in the ring will be myself and Joshua, nothing else matters except us.”

 

RING RESUME: ANTHONY JOSHUA

An Examination Of Joshua’s Career Progression Toward Heavyweight Championship & Unification Written and Narrated By Steve Farhood

Anthony Joshua vs. Carlos Takam | Sabado, Oktubre. 28

Live sa showtime® Sa 5 p.m. AT / 2 p.m. PT

 

Credit Larawan: Esther Lin / showtime

 

ANO: International Boxing Hall of Famer and historian Steve Farhood examines the career of Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua in advance of his title defense against IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam on Sabado, Oktubre. 28live on SHOWTIME from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

 

In the latest edition of the SHOWTIME Sports® digital series “Ring Resume,” Farhood takes an in-depth look at Joshua’s career beginning with his 2015 showdown with then-unbeaten Gary Cornish. The six-fight examination culminates with his career-defining win over Wladimir Klitschko to unify the division earlier this year.

 

Ang Oktubre. 28 Showtime Championship Boxing® telecast begins live at 5 p.m. AT/2 p.m. PT with ringside analysis in Cardiff where nearly 80,000 fans are expected to fill the Welsh national stadium.