Pulev to return against Arias, Oct. 17

Kubrat Pulev (20-1, 11 KOs) is looking to get back on the horse following his knockout loss to Wladimir Klitschko last year, his first professional defeat. The 34-year-old Pulev will be taking on Brazil's George Arias (56-13, 42 KOs) on October 17th in Karlsruhe, Germany.

‘'The fight against Klitschko was a valuable lesson for me,'' said Pulev, who is rated No. 4 by THE RING. ‘'At that time I wasn't doing enough, I was too complacent, but now I know what it takes to become world champion and I won't be making that mistake again. This is the start of a new beginning for me.''

Now I'm not sure that complacency was the problem in Pulev's loss to Klitschko, but his trainer Ulli Wegner does think that Pulev's mentality was his undoing.

‘'Kubrat possesses a lot of talent but at times he has let his ego get in the way,'' said Wegner. ‘'I will not allow this to happen again. I've made it clear to him who is the boss. We've been working on his defense and he has already shown great signs of improvement. I have no doubt that Kubrat has the ability to compete with the very best.''

Well, the very best certainly isn't this fight. Arias has mostly fought on the Brazilian circuit and is most recently coming of a decision loss to Hughie Fury this past July, the cousin of Tyson Fury.