The long wait is about to come to a close for boxing fans out there, as there’s quite the battle on the way between some impressive fighters. Yup, it’s time for the big boys to put on the gloves and enter the ring in London, as we’re here to provide you with the Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev heavyweight title preview and picks for their Dec. 12 showdown.
Joshua will enter the fight as the heavy favorite, but as everyone knows, anything can happen once these two standouts start throwing punches at one another. So, what can fans expect to see when the haymakers actually do start getting thrown a little later this month?
As we get ready for the Dec. 12 tilt for the heavyweight title, Anthony Joshua is expected to cruise to victory over Kubrat Pulev. The superstar boxer will enter the matchup holding a mind-boggling -1000 odds, while Pulev has been listed at a lowly +650 by multiple Vegas sportsbooks.
As you can see, there’s little belief that Pulev will be able to record one of the biggest upsets boxing fans have seen in the past 10 years later on this month. Joshua will have all the confidence in the world too, especially after he was able to regain his belts from Andy Ruiz Jr.
The easy pick here is to go with Joshua, no question. While the boxing odds haven’t quite been updated yet for a TKO, we think this is how Joshua will get the job done. Remember, he’s 23-1 in his career, with 21 of his victories coming by way of a powerful knockout. We believe that will be the case here too, as we’re picking him to finish things in style with a TKO.
Entering the Dec. 12 tilt, everyone wants to know, which round will Anthony Joshua potentially knockout Kubrat Pulev? No disrespect to Pulev, but fans and oddsmakers really aren’t giving him a chance to put up much of a fight against Joshua. It’s a bit surprising, as Pulev surely is no slouch.
As we said above, we think Joshua will no doubt win this win via a TKO. In which round? That’s tough to say. We think Pulev deserves a little more love. This one isn’t going to end in the first or second round. Pulev is too smart to make an absurd defensive error to open the door for Joshua to pulverize him.
If the fight has over 6.5 rounds, bookies will pay -125. If the there are less than 6.5 rounds, then the price is -105.
However, a TKO surely will be coming. While the odds haven’t been released for the rounds yet, we’re predicting the knockout to come either in Round 6, 7 or 8. There’s no way this bout goes a full 12 rounds. After Joshua gets into a rhythm landing his punches, look for him to drop Pulev in one of the middle rounds.
Checking in at 6-6, 254 pounds, Anthony Joshua is a massive specimen. His size alone should instill fear in his opponents. That’s not the case with Pulev, who has gone ahead and started some trash talking. What is he thinking? Anthony Joshua will make Pulev regret his trash talk when the two meet, as the quotes below from the challenger are simply eye-opening.
“I have been watching his fights carefully,” Pulev said.”He has a good style and he is a good specimen, but he has not shown any mental toughness. Yes, he has skills, but he hasn’t shown the mental strength. This is something from within, in the blood of a man, and he does not have it.
“Whatever mental toughness he’s got, I know I’m the harder person. This is the difference — my toughness will prevail.”
Jeez. You better believe that once Joshua saw this silly quote from the 39-year-old Pulev, his anger levels reached a new mark. When the two are in the ring, Joshua will keep what Pulev said on his mind, undoubtedly helping him record a dominant win. The pick is easy here ladies and gentlemen: Joshua is going to dominate Pulev.
While all eyes will be on the main event, don’t forget about the undercards for Joshua-Pulev fight as well, as there are some intriguing matchups on the schedule. There will be several undercards for bettors to place wagers on, of course including a meeting between Hughie Fury and Mariusz Wach.
In the cruiserweight division, Lawrence Okolie was all set to face Krzysztof Glowacki, but Glowacki tested positive for the coronavirus and can’t fight. Okolie is waiting to hear who his new opponent will be.
