Ivaylo Gotzev claims Joshua has 'always contemplated' skipping Pulev fight for Fury
Anthony Joshua is contracted to make a defence of his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles this year against IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.
Bulgarian promoter Ivaylo Gotzev told Press Box PR that AJ and Matchroom are contemplating skipping the Kubrat Pulev bout and going straight to Tyson Fury: "That's something that they have always contemplated at their end," he confirmed. "But that door will be closed with a lawsuit if they break our deal and our contract. There are some very good attorneys in England and some very fair courts, so it will come down to whether they want to decide whether they want that or not."
Pulev's co-promoter and right hand man then relented that the fight should still go ahead despite his clear concerns, "I do believe AJ and his promoter will do the right thing and do as they say and finalise the deal.
"Through blood sweat and tears Kubrat earned his position to challenge AJ. Will they overrule his rights, can they all overrule his rights? That's entirely up to them if they want to try that. They should respect the rules of the IBF. There's a signed agreement.
"We are in the final stages of closing the deal, which we are extremely happy with. We're adjusting the original contract and it's finally going in the right direction that keeps both sides happy.
"It's now up to Eddie to conclude their part. Our signature will come a lot easier than theirs."
Despite trying to find alternative countries and venues to stage the unified world title fight, London has always been the chosen setting, which is something the challenging team are more than satisfied with.
"To become a champion you must go into foreign lands and conquer and that's what Kubrat has decided to do. That's where the win will be the sweetest and the most legitimate. Let's do it in London."
The outspoken Bulgarian then gave his prediction for the fight, "We're going for the knockout. Kubrat is a man's man. He has heart, skill. talent and he's going to upset the apple cart. The question is: is AJ a man or is he still a mama's boy?
"Kubrat is the big underdog, it's like a Rocky story. AJ is a physical specimen, he's like Apollo Creed and we're bringing in Rocky. When he upsets AJ that's the end of Matchroom's reign."
Joshua-Pulev was due to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium on June 20 but was officially postponed in early April whilst in lockdown.
Promoter Eddie Hearn asserts that Anthony Joshua's "absolute focus" is still set on a homecoming world title fight against Kubrat Pulev, unless the UK option is "taken out of our hands". It was towards the end of May when the Matchroom Boxing boss said he hoped to make the fight in October or November, as restrictions ease, but any further information has not been released.
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