ANTHONY JOSHUA is “contemplating” skipping his heavyweight showdown with Kubrat Pulev, according to the Bulgarian’s promoter.
AJ is due to face Pulev in December in their rearranged fight with the WBA, IBF and WBO belts on the line.
But Ivaylo Gotzev revealed Joshua and his Matchroom managers are thinking about pulling out to focus on facing Tyson Fury instead.
And Pulev’s right-hand man insisted if they do indeed try to call off the fight – originally scheduled for June at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – they would take legal action by suing Eddie Hearn’s firm.
Gotzev told Press Box PR: “That’s something that they have always contemplated at their end. But that door will be closed with a lawsuit if they break our deal and our contract.
“There are some very good attorneys in England and some very fair courts, so it will come down to whether they want to decide whether they want that or not.
“I do believe AJ and his promoter will do the right thing and do as they say and finalise the deal.
“Through blood sweat and tears Kubrat earned his position to challenge AJ.
“Will they overrule his rights, can they all overrule his rights? That’s entirely up to them if they want to try that.
“They should respect the rules of the IBF. There’s a signed agreement.
“We are in the final stages of closing the deal, which we are extremely happy with.
“We’re adjusting the original contract and it’s finally going in the right direction that keeps both sides happy.
“It’s now up to Eddie to conclude their part. Our signature will come a lot easier than theirs.”
Joshua regained his world heavyweight belts by dominating Andy Ruiz Jr in their December rematch.
And he was set to take on the 39-year-old Pulev whose only pro defeat in 29 fights came against Wladimir Klitschko in November 2014.
Now Gotzev believes his man can dethrone Joshua on his debut on British soil.
He added: “To become a champion you must go into foreign lands and conquer and that’s what Kubrat has decided to do.
“That’s where the win will be the sweetest and the most legitimate. Let’s do it in London.
“We’re going for the knockout. Kubrat is a man’s man. He has heart, skill. talent and he’s going to upset the apple cart. The question is: is AJ a man or is he still a mama’s boy?
“Kubrat is the big underdog, it’s like a Rocky story. AJ is a physical specimen, he’s like Apollo Creed and we’re bringing in Rocky. When he upsets AJ that’s the end of Matchroom’s reign.”
