Interesting facts all about 'The Cobra' Kubrat Pulev
Ahead of this Saturday's clash, July 9, with Dereck Chisora at the O2 in London, BBN decided to list some interesting facts about 'The Cobra' Kubrat Pulev.
The two heavyweights headline the Matchroom Boxing show that will be broadcast live on DAZN.
Find out more about the Bulgarian boxer below:
Kubrat Venkov Pulev (spelt Кубрат Венков Пулев) was born to parents Hristina and Venko on May 4, 1981, in Sofia, Bulgaria, making him 41 years old today. He has three sisters (Boryana, Victoria, Annie) and one brother (Tervel).
He and his younger brother Tervel were named after medieval Bulgarian rulers. Kubrat was the ruler of the Onogur-Bulgars, credited with establishing the confederation of Old Great Bulgaria in the year 632. His name means "to gather". Tervel was the khan of Bulgaria during the First Bulgarian Empire in 8th century.
Tervel Venkov Pulev is also a successful boxer like his older brother. The 39-year-old won three European medals and an Olympic bronze as an amateur, then secured a European Union and a WBA International cruiserweight title in the pros. In his last fight, he went the 10-round distance with Sergey Kovalev but lost unanimously.
Their father, Venko Pulev, was a professional boxer and encouraged his sons to box from early age, convinced they would become champions one day. He also taught them to be patriotic and have a love for their country, which is why Kubrat turned down lucrative offers to represent Germany later in life.
He is trained by Otto Ramin and managed by Ivaylo Gotzez.
He once broke his arm in sparring, when preparing for the Europeans in 2002.
Even though he won the Athens 2004 Olympics qualifying tournament, he did not get a place on the team and had to settle for first reserve instead.
He went to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and lost in the Round of 16 to now WBC bridgerweight world champion Oscar Rivas, who won 11-5 on points.
Olympic bronze, silver and gold medalist Roberto Cammarelle was his biggest rival in the amateurs.
His professional debut was in Germany, September 19, 2009, which he won via second-round TKO.
The skilled pugilist once took part in an MMA fight (Triad Combat Rules) with UFC champion Frank Mir on a Triller show in 2021, which he won by knockout within two minutes.
He once had his professional boxing licence suspended by the California State Athletic Commission after kissing a female reporter on the lips during a post-fight interview after defeating Bogdan Dinu in 2019. Jennifer Ravalo took legal action but in just a few months later his licence was reinstated after he completed a sexual harrassment awareness course.
He caught COVID in 2020 and blamed the after-effects for his loss to Anthony Joshua in December that year.
He used to date a Bulgarian pop star, Andrea, real name Teodora Rumenova Andreeva.
He is now dating Bulgarian volleyball player, Diana Nenova.
Stats
Bouts: 31
Rounds: 222
Wins: 29
Losses: 2
KOs: 14
KO Ratio: 45.16%
Height: 1.94m / 6' 4"
Reach: 202cm / 80"
Roll of Honour
Strandzha Cup 2001 Light-heavyweight silver medalist
Strandzha Cup 2002 Heavyweight gold medalist
Strandzha Cup 2005 Super-heavyweight gold medalist
Strandzha Cup 2006 Super-heavyweight gold medalist
Strandzha Cup 2008 Super-heavyweight gold medalist
European Union Championships 2004 Heavyweight gold medalist
European Union Championships 2005 Super-heavyweight silver medalist
European Championships 2006 Super-heavyweight bronze medalist
European Championships 2008 Super-heavyweight gold medalist
World Championships 2005 bronze medalist
Beijing 2008 Olympian
IBF International Heavyweight Title
2x EBU (European) Heavyweight Title
WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title
2x World title contender
