Categories: LatestSports

Anthony Joshua Gets All Clear to Fight Kubrat Pulev After Negative Covid-19 Test

Anthony Joshua was able to end his short period in self-isolation on Wednesday morning when his coronavirus test came back negative ahead of his world heavyweight clash with Kubrat Pulev.

The 31-year-old entered Matchroom’s bio-secure bubble in London on Tuesday and had to stay in his room for the night before being given the all-clear.

Once Joshua’s test results were confirmed, the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belt-holder made his way to the gym to carry on preparations for Saturday’s bout at Wembley’s SSE Arena.

Later on Wednesday evening, the Watford-born boxer showed off his physique in an open workout session where rival Pulev and undercard fighters Lawrence Okolie and Hughie Fury were put through their paces in the ring.

Cruiserweight Okolie was set to fight for a world title on this bill but original opponent Krzysztof Glowacki tested positive for Covid-19 and, with replacement Nikodem Jezewski ranked outside of the top 15, it looks likely the vacant WBO cruiserweight title will not be on the line.

Nevertheless, the Hackney boxer, who has regularly received praise from Joshua after their sparring sessions, is eager to keep his momentum going and extend his record to 15-0.

Okolie said: “This one is not a world title shot but since I was an amateur I was sparring AJ, Dillian (Whyte), all these guys and coaches would come up to me and say, ‘You will go all the way’ and I don’t know if they say that to everyone!

 “But I was thinking we are here and about to go all the way to what we spoke about.

“Unfortunately it is not the case through Covid but I still have an opportunity to keep the momentum going.

“It feels good (the praise) and has always given me a little extra push because, if I can do it in sparring, I should be able to do it on fight night when it matters.”

Airdrie-based Martin Bakole is another to have sparred with Joshua and will be fighting for the WBC international heavyweight title when he takes on Sergey Kuzmin this weekend.

The Congo-born 27-year-old is desperate for more chances on the big stage and would not turn down the chance to take on his good friend either in the future.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

President Tinubu Orders Probe Into Prosecution Of Minors From #EndBadGovernance Protests

President Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the arrest, prosecution of minors involved in #EndBadGovernance…

7 hours ago

Musk’s Lawyer Defends $1M-a-Day Giveaway, Denies Illegal Lottery Claims

Musk's $1M giveaway is under legal scrutiny in a Pennsylvania court case as it targets…

7 hours ago

Badenoch Unveils Shadow Cabinet with Jenrick As Shadow Justice Secretary, Patel As Shadow Foreign Secretary

Kemi Badenoch has appointed former rivals Jenrick, Patel, and Stride to senior roles in her…

7 hours ago

Boeing Workers Vote On New Contract To End Seven-Week Strike

Boeing workers voted Monday on a new contract to end a seven-week strike

7 hours ago

Former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Arrested By EFCC For Alleged N1.3 Trillion Diversion

EFCC has arrested ex-Delta governor Ifeanyi Okowa for alleged misuse of oil derivation funds, diverting…

7 hours ago

Search for Missing Persons Continues After Deadly Valencia Floods

Barcelona faces severe flooding as search and rescue efforts continue.

9 hours ago