New Footage Reveals Exactly What Anthony Joshua And Kubrat Pulev Said During Fiery Face-Off

Anthony Joshua branded forthcoming opponent Kubrat Pulev a "p***y" during their heated face-off after Friday's weigh-in, according to Eddie Hearn.

The 31-year-old Brit superstar will put his world titles on the line against the IBF mandatory challenger on Saturday in London.

And Joshua, who weighed in at 240.8lbs (3.8lbs heavier than when he fought Andy Ruiz Jr last December), entered into a war of words with Pulev during their face-off.

Pulev's younger brother, Tervel, claimed that the 39-year-old Bulgarian shouted "I will destroy you" during the exchange as security had to separate the two heavyweights.

Joshua's opponent also added: "I told him that I am ready and that I respect him, he is Olympic and world champion, so I respect him so much.

"But I am the better boxer and I told him that I will show him tomorrow and he did not like that.

"His reaction did not surprise me, it was normal, he is the world champion, for now.

"It's his last day as world champion. Tomorrow will be different."

Sky Sports has since posted the exchange on Twitter to show exactly what Joshua and Pulev said to one during their war of words.

Matchroom chief Hearn recalled the incident and suggested that Joshua had called Pulev a "p***y" in their heated spat.

Joshua's promoter explained: "Pulev just kept saying, 'Tomorrow, tomorrow,' so Joshua went, 'What do you mean tomorrow?'

"Pulev kept talking so Joshua said, 'Come over here and say it.' Pulev said again 'Tomorrow I'll beat you' and 'AJ' said, 'What? You? Disrespect me and I'll show you' and then he said, 'You're a pussy.' They wouldn't stop."

Joshua's fight with Pulev will be the first time he has stepped into the squared circle since he regained his titles from Ruiz in their 2019 rematch in Saudi Arabia.

Following the face-off with Pulev, 'AJ' said: "I don't know what sparked that. That's just how we are.

"He has spoken a lot of rubbish and now he has to back it up.

"I have seen so many fighters talk a load of rubbish and then get smacked up. If you don't know boxing, then that sort of thing could intimidate you, but I could have whacked him up there but I have to save it for tomorrow.

"I have studied him and he thinks he is a warrior but he is up against a real one now.

"When people come in the ring with me, they are confident but I take their soul away and get them out of there."

Topics: AJ, Kubrat Pulev, Boxing News, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Eddie Hearn

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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