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Kubrat Pulev announced unofficially a few days ago that he had a deal for his fight with Hughie Fury, and now it’s official.
The heavyweights will meet in an IBF eliminator on October 27 in Sofia, Bulgaria, with Epic Sports promoting the fight. The announced deal cancels Thursday’s scheduled purse bid, and means Pulev avoids that process happening a third time this year after bids for bouts with Dillian Whyte and Jarrell Miller went through, but ultimately did not result in a fight.
Pulev (25-1, 13 KO) is a former title challenger, knocked out in the fifth round by Wladimir Klitschko back in 2014. He’s won five straight since then, but none against serious challengers. At 37, Pulev is getting toward the end of his line as a contender, and he needed this type of fight.
Fury (21-1, 11 KO) is also a former title challenger, losing a close decision to Joseph Parker in 2017. He’s fought once since, winning the British title from Sam Sexton on May 12 in Bolton, England. The 23-year-old Fury, the cousin of Tyson, is still a young man in the game, particularly in the heavyweight division.
The winner of the fight will be mandatory challenger for the IBF title, which is currently held by Anthony Joshua, and set to be defended against Alexander Povetkin on September 22.