AJ to fight Pulev in front of 1,000 fans

… vows to fight Fury in 2021

Anthony Joshua will be cheered on by 1,000 fans when he defends his world titles against Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena.

AJ returns to the ring for the first time since he reclaimed the belts from Andy Ruir Jr last December.

Now he will be the first star to fight in front of a crowd since the coronavirus pandemic struck after his promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed a crowd will be allowed at the event on December 12.

Hearn said: “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see fans returning to our live boxing events.

“Whilst the team have done an incredible job over the last ten months we live and breathe through the energy and atmosphere that a live crowd generates.

“It’s so fitting that they can return for an AJ fight, when through the last few years he has broken all kinds of attendance records in the UK and beyond.

“This is such a positive move for boxing and all sport. Welcome back!”

Tickets go on sale this Friday and are priced between £100 and £1000.

Fans will be required to wear face coverings at the event and groups of those wishing to attend must also be from the same household.

Joshua has also vowed to fight Tyson Fury to lift the spirits of a sports-mad nation after lockdown.

The two British world heavyweight champions have agreed to meet in a 2021 blockbuster after years of anticipation - as long as he is successful against Pulev.

Speaking ahead of the bout, AJ said: “Yes, the Fury fight is the one everyone wants and it will happen, 100 per cent. It will be huge for the nation.

“I am a risk taker; I have always taken risks and never dodged fights with anyone.

“I want to be remembered as a fighter who gave the fans what they want. But I don’t just want to be part of a great event — I want to win another great fight. “Everyone has been through some tough s**t this year with the virus. People have been suffering with their health and finances.

“So it will lift every boxing fan, every sports fan, when this fight happens.”