Joshua wary of Pulev threat

Anthony Joshua has set his sights on becoming the undisputed champion as he prepares to face Kubrat Pulev in his world heavyweight championship defence on Saturday at the SSE Arena London.

Joshua described Pulev as a skillful fighter who has been been around great boxers.

The 31-year-old has a 23-1 record with 21 of them coming via knockout, while has a 28-1 record with 14 of them coming via knockouts.

“I’m one belt away, it’s been hard work holding on to these four,” Joshua said during an interview with DAZN which was monitored by The PUNCH on Sunday.

“That’s why I’ve got to take Pulev seriously because it’s weird how boxing works. I’ve got to go and fight for each of these belts one by one, and then Pulev gets to come and fight me for all of them in one night.

“He’s the IBF mandatory challenger but I’ve got to put out my WBO, IBO and WBA.

“It’s tough. I would love to do it, but I’ve got one more belt to collect and whoever has it I’m keen to fight that person. I was keen to fight the former champion last year and I’m still keen to fight the current champion this year or the year after.

“He (Pulev) does a lot of the basics well, skilful fighter, great lead hand. Follows up with a backhand to the head or body, throws it straight, throws it wide.

“He’s been in there with great fighters – Hughie Fury, Chisora, Klitschko, Bogdan. He’s been in there with Rydell Brooker and the list goes on, he’s been in there with some great people.”

The British-Nigerian boxer who has a potential fight against Tyson Fury also talked about the possibility of facing Deontay Wilder.

“The offer still stands when he’s ready. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, so when he’s ready and he’s man enough, mature enough to also not lie and be real.

“It wasn’t a nice time when they were trying to tarnish my name and my reputation, but I dealt with it.

“So, this time around it’ll be good to get the real thing done and stop all the PR stunts and get real fight underway for the fans. That’s what I want to do,” he added.

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