The current European Champion has completed his preparations in Berlin, and will fly home to Bulgaria later today ahead of his WBA Intercontinental title challenge, which will take place in front of 15,000 fans at the Arena Armeec.
Pulev says he is pleased with his preparations, and is eager to inspire a new generation of Bulgarian boxers when he steps through the ropes on Saturday night. We caught up with ‘The Cobra’ following one of his final sparring sessions.
How have your preparations been for the fight with Samuel Peter?
‘’We have been working hard and I am very happy with my preparations. It is now in the final phase and we have just completed our sparring. I’ve had three sparring partners, including one from Belarus who is World Champion in chess boxing. No one has been able to beat him for seven years! I can deal with him in the ring, but I have no chance against him when it comes to chess!’’
This will be your fourth fight with coach Ulli Wegner in your corner, how has he helped you to develop?
‘’Mr Wegner has a great eye for detail and a tremendous knowledge of boxing. Together we work hard to eliminate any small errors and to improve my strengths.’’
Do you believe Ulli Wegner is the right man to lead you to World title success?
‘’Yes, I do. He has great experience and has helped turn many boxers into World Champions. Now we have gotten to know each other better it has become easier to work together, and in future our partnership will only improve.
There has been a lot of excitement since it was announced you would be fighting in Sofia, how important for you is the support of the Bulgarian people?
‘’For years, it has been my dream to fight at home in Bulgaria, and in just a few days this dream will come true. I want to make my countrymen proud, and to give all the Bulgarian people, who couldn’t afford to travel abroad to see my fights, the chance to come and watch me live in Sofia, my hometown and the capital of my lovely country.’’
Do you hope this will be the first of many fights in Bulgaria?
‘’Yes, I do hope this boxing gala is just the first of many more in Bulgaria. For me, boxing is a beautiful sport, which should be used to help educate. It’s an act of pure beauty, and I hope this beauty will win the hearts of as many children as possible, and that we can inspire them to start training, and to work hard and sacrifice so they can become the next generation of champions.’’
Finally, do you have a prediction for the fight?
‘’My only prediction is a strong and spectacular victory for Bulgaria!’’
Kubrat Pulev faces Samuel Peter for the WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight title on December 3 at the Arena Armeec in Sofia. Tickets are available via .
