Pulev refuses to attend press conference because of Klitschko's "sneaky tricks"

Heavyweight challenger Kubrat Pulev refused to attend Monday's press conference with Heavyweight Champion Vladimir Klitschko after being informed that only three members from Pulev's camp could be present.

Pulev (20-0, 11 KOs) believes that limiting the number of entourage members that could attend the press conference was the latest in a series of mental ploys Klitschko (62-3, 52 KOs) has used in an attempt to make Pulev uncomfortable heading into Saturday's fight. Pulev accused Klitschko of faking a torn bicep in August in order to postpone their fight, which was originally scheduled for September.

"This postponing only made me stronger," Pulev, one of the most popular athletes in Bulgaria, said last month. "It gave me extra time to perfect the details."

"The sneaky tricks of the world champion are just the beginning...That kind of behaviour isn't suitable for a world champion of four federations with such a huge experience and with that name. It is just not suitable."

Klitschko holds the IBF, WBO, WBA and Ring Magazine heavyweight belts. Pulev is ready for Klitschko's brand of psychological warfare.

"This is a mental game that they do not know that I am completely prepared for. I am from Bulgaria, you know."

Klitschko-Pulev will be broadcast live on HBO this Saturday at 4:45pm.