Anthony Joshua is reminded of his amateur days as he faces Kubrat Pulev on Dec. 15th in front of the allowed 1,000 spectators at the Wembley Arena.
The limited audience is due to the current pandemic, but this is also a slow reopening for boxing events as the vaccine is reported will be available before the year ends.
Meanwhile, the unified heavyweight champion is not bothered by the number of people in attendance. He labeled it an excellent way to unload pressure and reminded him of the amateur league.
\”The last time I would have fought in front of a small crowd, I think it was Hungary in 2012. It was quite decent, you know. It is not bad. The pressure is off; you can get in your rhythm,\” he said.
\”And I think I need that sometimes – I am under a lot of pressure. I am physically good, but mentally you have to stay strong,\” he added. It was evident when he suffered his first defeat in an upset victory by Andy Ruiz Jr.
Speaking of amateur, his opponent has been through a lot as well. Pulev is a very successful amateur boxer, having won six gold medals in different European regions.
However, he has yet to claim a belt in his professional career.
He once fought in a title match against Wladimir Klitschko but has knocked out in the fifth round. Currently, he is ranked as the ninth-best heavyweight fighter.