Anthony Joshua Warned Ahead Of Fight With Kubrat Pulev

The upcoming fight for heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is one that his promoter Eddie Hearn wants him to be really ready for and avoid being stunned by his challenger Kubrat Pulev because he can really "punch".

Joshua was stunned by the way he lost his three belts - IBF, WBO, and WBA - in a seven-round knockout to American Mexican fighter Andy Ruiz Jr in June at Madison Square, New York and became the first-ever Mexican heavyweight champion. Unfortunately for Ruiz, his reign was shortlived as he lost the rematch fight to Joshua in Saudi Arabia in December.

During an interview on Sky Sports, Eddie admitted his client is not an unbeatable champion recalling how he was beaten by then unfancied Ruiz and could only warn him to watch it against Kubrat.

"There is an element of 'he is beatable'," Eddie said. "We've seen Joshua get beaten - just land one on the chin, or the side of the head, and anything can happen? Easier said than done."

"I feel that Joshua vs Publev is a really good fight. Two big stand-up heavyweights who can really punch. Publev has a lot of experience and good ring IQ. Joshua will look to make a statement."

That being said, it is fear to mention that Joshua is not naive of the fact that his challenger is also coming with the intention to do damages to his record if given the chance and wants every to know that he is a different person contrary to what many people might be thinking of him.

Earlier this week, the 30-year-old revealed his desire to stay on as the champions potentially for many years rather be like Andy Ruiz who lose it straight away in a rematch against him last year.