Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev: Bulgarian enters anti-coronavirus bubble after negative test result

Challenger takes on Briton at Wembley Arena on Saturday in front of 1,000 fans

Kubrat Pulev has entered a bubble ahead of his fight against Anthony Joshua this weekend, with promoter Eddie Hearn confirming that the Bulgarian and his team have returned negative coronavirus test results.

Pulev (28-1) shared a video on Twitter on Saturday to show he was undergoing a Covid-19 swab test, and Hearn said on Sunday that the result had come back negative as preparations continue for the 39-year-old’s heavyweight title bout with Joshua at the Wembley Arena in London.

Pulev was due to face ‘AJ’ in Cardiff in October 2017 but was forced to pull out of the world title clash due to a shoulder injury, leading Carlos Takam to step in and come up short.

READ MORE: Joshua vs Pulev to welcome 1,000 fans

But on Saturday, Pulev will receive his long-awaited opportunity against Joshua, who has not fought since he outpointed Andy Ruiz Jr last December.

If Joshua is victorious, it should set up a mouthwatering showdown with Tyson Fury in 2021.

Meanwhile, Matchroom has finalised the undercard to Joshua-Pulev.

Hackney cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie will now take on Poland's Nikodem Jezewski after his original opponent Kzysztof Glowacki tested positive for Covid-19 last week.

Super-welterweight contender Kieron Conway had been prepared to face Souleymane Cissokho, but will do battle with fellow Englishman Macaulay McGowen.

Ramla Ali's second professional fight against Vansea Caballero is no longer part of the show after Ali also returned a positive test for coronavirus.

Florian Marku, who signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom in November, will be involved at Wembley in front of 1,000 fans in an eight-round contest against Alex Fearon.

PA