Bulgarian brute Kubrat Pulev is happy to battle Anthony Joshua this summer without any spectators inside Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium.
The veteran, the IBF mandatory challenger, says the fight could take place and solely focus on the Pay-Per-View element.
As things stand, coronavirus is set to scrap a scheduled date of June 20, with July 25 said to be a backup.
Despite a new July date in place, there are still no guarantees from the UK Government that the event can occur then.
Therefore, Pulev believes the fighters should get it on without fans being allowed to watch the collision live.
Anthony Joshua
“I’m ready for June 20 or July 25. They say,” Pulev told bTV channel after initially stating his belief that the fight was ‘off for months.’
“You see what the situation is (with coronavirus). The whole world must certainly adjust to it.
“There’s no problem to be (fight Joshua) without spectators. Everyone would be at home. They can pay per view, so I don’t see any problem financially.”
Pulev then seemingly changed his tune towards the end: “The show could be lost a bit without fans, but it can still happen.
“After all, it’s a world championship, which must take place.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has already ruled out any such occasion without paying customers present.
The Matchroom boss remains hopeful there won’t be too much disruption to his lucrative forthcoming schedule.
Some involved in the sport have predicted a timeline of anywhere between July and December, with the former the apparent target.
Hearn has several significant events and had originally planned three PPV shows in just seven weeks.
Joshua vs Pulev would be joined by Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin and Oleksandr Usyk vs Derek Chisora.
Pulev fight
When it finally takes place, the clash will be Joshua’s first defense since regaining the titles.
AJ (23-1, 21 KOs) recaptured his belts and position as the Unified Heavyweight World Champion with a unanimous decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia.
A fight that saw the Heavyweight World Titles contested for the very first time in the Middle East.
It will also represent the Londoner’s first fight on UK soil in nearly two years. The last time, Joshua defended his crown with a devastating seventh-round knockout of Povetkin at Wembley Stadium.
The former Finchley ABC man will be aiming to deal with Pulev in style to set up an Undisputed showdown against new WBC Champion and fellow Brit Tyson Fury.
