CHAMPION WEIGHS IN WITH ‘ SMACK’ THREAT

ANTHONY JOSHUA told Kubrat Pulev he is going to get “smacked up” after they clashed at a fiery weigh- in yesterday.

The WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion called Pulev a “p*** y” when the Bulgarian vowed to “end him” after they stepped on the scales ahead of tonight’s clash at Wembley Arena.

Pulev was shouting at Joshua that he would “beat him” as the champion arrived into the weigh- in room. Joshua beckoned him over as he was stripping down to get on the scales and security guards were forced to step in.

“He has spoken a lot of rubbish and now he has to back it up,” said Joshua.

“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. I could have whacked him up there, but I have to save it for the ring.” Pulev, 39, also warned

Joshua he will finish his career and that he believes he is the better fighter.

But Joshua said: “When people come in the ring with me they are confident, but I take their soul away and get them out of there.”

Joshua will pocket around £ 8m for tonight’s clash with Pulev at Wembley Arena, with the pay- per- view figure predicted to be around the 800,000 buys mark.

But he will see his purse rocket to well over £ 50m if he fights Tyson Fury, below, next year. Joshua added: “Kubrat Pulev is my only focus right now.”

CHRIS McKENNA