IBF confirms: Klitschko has to fight Pulev next!

Picture: Photo Wende

The wait is over: Finally, Kubrat Pulev (20-0, 11 KOs) will get his chance to fight for the Heavyweight Championship of the World! The IBF has stated that Wladimir Klitschko (62-3, 52 KOs) must defend his titles against his Berlin-based mandatory from Bulgaria in his very next bout.

“That’s what I call a late birthday gift,” says Pulev, who celebrated his 33rd birthday last Sunday. “I was ringside when Wladimir defended his belts a few weeks ago. It was a walk in the park for him against Leapai. When Klitschko meets me inside the ring, I will cause him real problems to say the least. I will show the fans worldwide that Klitschko is no invincible machine and fulfil my dream.”

Pulev, who is nicknamed the “Cobra” due to his fighting style, secured the IBF mandatory spot in August 2013 with a win over Tony Thompson. After Klitschko, the WBO/WBA Super Champion and IBF World Champion, successfully completed his WBO mandatory against Alex Leapai on April 26, Pulev, the IBF’s mandatory challenger, is next in line.

Kalle Sauerland: ‘’The negotiations with Team Klitschko have already begun. We are excited to present a heavyweight bout in cooperation with K2, which is deserving of its ‘Heavyweight World Championship’ status.’’