Fury awaits as Joshua KOs Pulev to retain heavyweight belts
World Heavyweight boxing champion Britain's Anthony Joshua lands a blow on challenger Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev during their Heavyweight title fight at Wembley Arena in London Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. (Andrew Couldridge/Pool via AP)LONDON – By rediscovering the thrill of a brutal knockout, Anthony Joshua cleared the way to a shot at being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. It wasn’t long before the inevitable question was thrown at him: is WBC champion Tyson Fury next in what would be an all-British blockbuster to unify the four titles in boxing’s marquee division? “We know what we have to do starting from tomorrow: to make the Tyson Fury fight straightaway,” Hearn said, a big grin on his face. “I want the fight, I want the fight next,” said Fury, who was wearing a Christmas sweater for the occasion.
Joshua, Pulev weigh in, then talk trash wearing face masks
LONDON – Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and challenger Kubrat Pulev jawed at each other through black face masks Friday on the eve of their title fight at Wembley Arena. Joshua pointed a finger in Pulev's face as they exchanged words while beefy security guards kept the peace during their weigh-in for Saturday's bout. During the exchange, Pulev twice readjusted his mask after it slipped below his nose, and Joshua’s mask also drooped low at one point. Pulev appears to be the only hurdle Joshua needs to clear before a shot at being the undisputed world heavyweight champion. First, Joshua must take care of business against the hardened Pulev, who didn't wait for Saturday to get things started.
Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr. rematch in Saudi Arabia draws criticism
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images(CNN) - The decision to stage the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. in Saudi Arabia has drawn heavy criticism from human rights group Amnesty International. However, the middle east country's "abysmal human rights record" has been called into question by Amnesty International UK, which urged Joshua to "inform himself of the human rights situation" ahead of the rematch. "If Anthony Joshua fights Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia, it's likely to be yet another opportunity for the Saudi authorities to try to 'sportswash' their severely tarnished image," said Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK's Head of Campaigns. "Despite some long-overdue reforms on women's rights, Saudi Arabia is currently in the grip of a sweeping human rights crackdown -- with women's rights activists, lawyers and members of the Shia minority community all being targeted. CNN has reached out to Joshua's promoters and the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia for comment but is yet to receive a response.