Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has promised that his fighter will deliver an unbelievable performance against Kubrat Pulev.
AJ is putting his IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles on the line against the Bulgarian boxer on June 20 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the winner likely to face current WBC Champion, Tyson Fury later this year.
Speaking to Sky Sports Hearn said:
“You will see one of the best AJ performances – the shackles are off from the Ruiz Jnr. 2 fight in terms of being disciplined and following a game plan.”
This was a view shared by former Welsh super-featherweight boxer Barry Jones, who said: “In the Ruiz fight last December, as well as he boxed, Joshua looked like a man who was wary of getting hit.
“I think Pulev of five years ago was a real problem for AJ but Pulev now, inactivity and 39, I think it is a great match for Joshua to get that confidence back again that he can still take a shot.”
As well as the Brit’s long-term trainer, Rob McCracken, Hearn has also revealed that pad-men Angel Fernandez and Wolverhampton coach Joby Clayton will likely be involved again in AJ’s preparation after they both played a key part in implementing a successful strategy to beat Ruiz Jnr.
Hearn said: “They are a team and they put the team in place with a view to perfection.
“Last time they got it spot on with Jody and Angel great additions. It’s a process of improvement – adding things to the team that will get you to the top.”
The promoter also revealed that they had previously struggled to find suitable sparring partners for AJ ahead of his first fight with Ruiz Jnr. however, they have not had too many problems so far this time around.
“Pulev is a more straight up and down boxer. Great hand technically and good from an amateur perspective.
“He's been around, has boxed Wladimir Klitschko and been unbeaten for a long time. It will be easier to determine sparring partners."
Despite all the issues with sporting events being postponed around Europe the past few weeks due to the coronavirus, Hearn remains confident that the fight will not take place behind closed doors:
“The crowd are so integral to the dramatic aspect of the sport of boxing, and in terms of being a TV product.
"I cannot see how we can stage a fight behind closed doors with no crowd.”