EDDIE HEARN has revealed ‘extra precautions’ are in place ahead of Anthony Joshua’s latest world title fight to make sure it goes ahead.
The British heavyweight is set to defend his belts against Kubrat Pulev on December 12, potentially at Wembley Arena in front of 1,000 fans.
However, due to the current coronavirus pandemic, his promoter Hearn admitted every fight has only has a 50/50 chance of actually happening.
Dillian Whyte’s rematch with Alexander Povetkin was recently postponed after the Russian tested positive for Covid-19.
Hearn is hoping to avoid any issues going into next month’s clash – but he has eased fears over needing to find a late replacement for Joshua should anything happen.
He told Sky Sports: “Kubrat Pulev will be making his way to London shortly, sooner than we think, and he will be entering the bubble weeks in advance.
“A lot of these top heavyweights and these guys who are earning considerable purses are being constantly tested on a daily basis.
“You look at Derek Chisora, I think he was getting tested every other day. We will bring Pulev here.
“Every international fighter has to be tested before they travel, and we will make sure he’s in the bubble, in an enclosed environment, because you just can’t risk it.
“Normally on fight week, you get a five or 10 per cent chance that a fight could fall through. Here it’s 50-50, for every fight.
“When you talk about a fight of that size, you have to take extra precautions and that will be making sure both guys are in a bubble, nice and early, and are locked away under strict surveillance to make sure that they’re good to go for fight night.”
American Charles Martin is the next IBF challenger in line to face AJ.
But his manager Mike Borao has already gone on record to state he has no ‘obligation’ to step in at late notice to fight Joshua if Pulev has to pull out.
