The fight between heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua and mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev will take place on Dec. 12 at the O2 Arena in London, both sides told BoxingScene on Monday.
It was originally scheduled to take place on June 20 at the 70,000-seat Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London but it had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Yes, Dec. 12 at the O2 is the plan for AJ,” Hearn said, adding that he is hopeful that some fans will be permitted to attend the bout.
Hearn said British authorities are aiming to allow at least 25 percent capacities at venues beginning in October.
“We are happy that the fight appears to be back on track and that we have a new date and site,” said promoter John Wirt of Epic Sports, which co-promotes Pulev with Top Rank. “There is still some tweaking to do on the contract but we are optimistic it should be concluded this week.”
While both camps like the date and site they still need to finalize the financial terms.
“All being discussed,” Hearn said.
If the sides wind up being unable to iron out the money the fight could to an IBF purse bid, which would entitle Joshua to 65 percent and Pulev to 35 percent of the winning bid. The Pulev team has long held that it could take the fight to Pulev’s hometown of Sofia, Bulgaria, where is a superstar, and have strong financial backing there.
