K. Pulev vs. H. Fury

[Enlightened-One]

A 37½ year old that has been inactive for the last 18 months, due to injury, is going to need to be in the shape of his life against a slightly taller, active, highly-skilled and mobile world-class opponent that is more than thirteen years his junior.

I would have favoured a prime version of Kubrat Pulev to have scored a clear-cut decision victory against the current version of Hughie Fury, especially considering the fact that he's competing on home turf, but I feel that Bulgarian is going to have his work cut out for him this weekend.

I respect your opinion. I just don't see Hughie as a top contender.
But we will see. If he legitimately beats Pulev ill give him credit

I'm not saying that Pulev won't win, but I see this as a 50-50 fight. And I may have even favoured the Brit if the bout was staged on English soil, but it isn't and so the Bulgarian's hometown advantage may ultimately be the deciding factor in this competitive bout.

According to the UK betting websites (i.e. UNIBET), the odds favour Pulev by roughly a 60-40 margin.

[candyslim]

I agree completely with you EO. I think this is going to an intriguing contest although not an exciting one. I'm hoping and expecting that Hughie will have learned from losing the decision against Parker, that he needs to be more assertive in the ring.

As for Pulev I've been thinking he has been very inactive which at 37 or 38 is not going to improve his chances, but looking at that photograph I cannot deny he looks in amazing shape.

I've also had concerns about his motivation. I'm not suggesting that his injury in the build up to his abortive challenge to Anthony Joshua wasn't genuine, but he didn't seem exactly gutted about having to pull out did he, nor in any rush to reschedule? He had also rejected the opportunity to fight AJ on at least one occasion prior to that and probably more than once.

I'm just wondering if the chance to face Joshua is motivation for him. When he pulled out he said about how he didn't want to continue and fight Joshua with an injury because he didn't need the money - it was more important to him to fight Joshua at full fitness so as to win. I wasn't particularly convinced, in fact I've posted before that I suspect KP is happy to be a sporting icon and hero to Bulgarians. He doesn't want to tarnish that image by fighting someone he knows he can't beat, he's been down that road before.

[Ilya Muromets]

This is the shape and condition of Kubrat for this match...Never saw him so define!




You can see how serious he is for this bout and how much he trained. His goal is Joshua. Fury is a serious opponent, but he does not have any chance against Kubrat.

Is that Kubrat or his cruiserweight little brother? It looks like Kubrat. He must have lost a lot of weight. Looks like me when i went crazy on my trimming down mode.

[Sagaroth]

Kubrat is 15 pounds lighter for this bout.... It will be a mass destruction agains Fury.
He weighted 240 before 8 yeras. Today - again :)

Good luck Kubrat!

[ValMar]

I expect Pulev's victory in Bulgaria.
I would expect Fury's victory in UK.

[Boxing Writer]

Pulev seems to be in a great shape, but then again, so did Haye in the rematch against Bellew.

[candyslim]

@Valmar: Being the UK fighter didn't help Hughie against Parker did it? They could have justified giving it to him, he had Parker chasing shadows, in fact Joe and his team were convinced he was about to lose his title, you only had to look at their faces.

Not that I'd expect results like that, which is hardly an isolated example, to affect anyone's preconceptions of course.

[ValMar]

@Valmar: Being the UK fighter didn't help Hughie against Parker did it? They could have justified giving it to him, he had Parker chasing shadows, in fact Joe and his team were convinced he was about to lose his title, you only had to look at their faces.

Not that I'd expect results like that, which is hardly an isolated example, to affect anyone's preconceptions of course.

I would like to be wrong here, but, again, I predict : Pulev by robbery.

[Ilya Muromets]

Kubrat is 15 pounds lighter for this bout.... It will be a mass destruction agains Fury.
He weighted 240 before 8 yeras. Today - again :)

Good luck Kubrat!

Yes! He's trimmed down so much. He's 240 at 6'4". He looks like 200. Must have very dense muscles. They are allowing Fury to wear a full chin beard to cushion blows to his jaw, huh?

[candyslim]

@Valmar: Being the UK fighter didn't help Hughie against Parker did it? They could have justified giving it to him, he had Parker chasing shadows, in fact Joe and his team were convinced he was about to lose his title, you only had to look at their faces.

Not that I'd expect results like that, which is hardly an isolated example, to affect anyone's preconceptions of course.

I would like to be wrong here, but, again, I predict : Pulev by robbery.

I said the same but my point is that we have some biased hometown judging in the UK but I still believe a visiting fighter has a better chance of faiir decision in the UK than most places. Maybe Bulgaria is not one of those 'most places' but forgive me if I don't hold my breath.

Go back half a century and the UK fighter was at a disadvantage because referees and judges would be making damn sure nobody could possibly accuse them of favouring their compatriot that they would be more likely to give the other guy the benefit of any doubt.

I remember West Ham's Paolo Di Canio catching the ball rather than scoring an easy goal (easy for him anyway) because the goalkeeper had gone down injured. That was 20+ years ago and it is fair to say most of the WHU fans did not appreciate his good sportsmanship. These days he might have got lynched

[Ilya Muromets]

@Valmar: Being the UK fighter didn't help Hughie against Parker did it? They could have justified giving it to him, he had Parker chasing shadows, in fact Joe and his team were convinced he was about to lose his title, you only had to look at their faces.

Not that I'd expect results like that, which is hardly an isolated example, to affect anyone's preconceptions of course.

I would like to be wrong here, but, again, I predict : Pulev by robbery.

Little Bulgaria hasn't made world news since the 13th century. We'll be on our best behavior. You won't see the corrupt refereeing and judging that is so common now in other places, like - well I wouldn't want to mention names, but it's in the Mohave Desert.

[candyslim]

I'm intrigued Ilya, this isn't the first time you have identified yourself as Bulgar. It confused the hell out of me first time as I'm trying to work out how that fits in with your "Tuscongrad" background?

[Lennox]

I shall be testing my boxing knowledge tonight because I see Pulev in a different league to Hughie Fury. Unless Kubrat has gone massively backwards I expect him to outpoint HF fairly easily. KP has much harder punching power.

I have never rated HF perhaps I am wrong.

[candyslim]

I really think Hughie is going to get the better of Pulev whether he gets the decision or not. He isn't exciting. He isn't a big hitter, but when you are able to combine these particular three attributes of having a good chin, and a good engine, with the ability to outbox or outspeed your opponent, that becomes a formidable skill-set. Take away one of those elements and the other two on their own leave the boxer vulnerable, but Hughie appears to have three aces in his hand.

I was thinking about Joe Joyce's attributes (size, strength, good fundamentals, power, stamina) and thinking how any top fighter with suspect stamina is going to be struggling to contain him down the stretch, how for example Ortiz or Povetkin might not stay the pace, question mark over Dillian Whyte even. It occurred to me that the boxer who has the tools to overcome Joyce is Hughie. Tyson would be favoured too but Tyson has shown in the past that he can be caught and dropped, whereas although untested at the highest level, Hughie's chin hasn't shown any weakness yet.

Pulev is a skillful boxer with a great jab and an underrated body punching ability, but he doesn't appear to have the power to test Hughie's beard, and at nearly 38 he is unlikely to last the pace better. He may have the edge in boxing skills but Fury certainly has the speed advantage to trump any modest shortfall in technique.

The more I think about it the more I struggle to see how Pulev wins. It's likely to go to scorecards and that might well answer my question.

[ValMar]

@Valmar: Being the UK fighter didn't help Hughie against Parker did it? They could have justified giving it to him, he had Parker chasing shadows, in fact Joe and his team were convinced he was about to lose his title, you only had to look at their faces.

Not that I'd expect results like that, which is hardly an isolated example, to affect anyone's preconceptions of course.

I would like to be wrong here, but, again, I predict : Pulev by robbery.

I said the same but my point is that we have some biased hometown judging in the UK but I still believe a visiting fighter has a better chance of faiir decision in the UK than most places. Maybe Bulgaria is not one of those 'most places' but forgive me if I don't hold my breath.

Go back half a century and the UK fighter was at a disadvantage because referees and judges would be making damn sure nobody could possibly accuse them of favouring their compatriot that they would be more likely to give the other guy the benefit of any doubt.

I remember West Ham's Paolo Di Canio catching the ball rather than scoring an easy goal (easy for him anyway) because the goalkeeper had gone down injured. That was 20+ years ago and it is fair to say most of the WHU fans did not appreciate his good sportsmanship. These days he might have got lynched

Candyslim, honestly, can you imagine Joshua (in UK) and Canelo (in USA/Mexico) losing by decision ?
I can not, and I like (and enjoy to watch) both of them. Their promoters are the different story, I despise ODLH and Hearn.
I have no illusions (born and live in Balkan) to expect the different scenario from my Bulgarians cousins.

[ValMar]

Betting odds (William Hill), almost 50/50 - Pulev vs. Fury 1,80 19,00 2,10....................

[candyslim]

We don't have a fifth amendment to plead hereValmar, so I'll answer your question. Bear in mind i am a patriotic Englishman so my answer might not be the most objective.

I have been quite disgusted by some judging I've seen in the UK, most recently the Joshua v Povetkin fight. Joshua might have been ahead at the time of the stoppage or he might not, but no way was he up by 5 rounds. Don't forget though that the judges were not from the UK so I don't see how they could be biased as a result of nationality.

Nor do I accept the possibility that pressure might be brought to bear by the British authorities (BBBC) this just doesn't happen. Pressure levied by Eddie Hearn? Does he have any influence over the appointment of judges? Surely that would be a clear violation of the rules, I just can't see it.

Maybe the judges get caught up in the vibe in the arena and are influenced without even realizing it, or maybe they believe that a hometown decision will be popular with the crowd and more importantly the organizers, and encourage them to invite that judge back again.

As to your final question: Despite the evidence so far, I have to believe that if Joshua were getting soundly beaten, then the decision would go to his opponent. I concede he would likely get the benefit of the doubt if it were close.

That is what I genuinely believe. You may feel I'm being a little naive and I don't rule out the possibility you may be right.

[ValMar]

We don't have a fifth amendment to plead hereValmar, so I'll answer your question. Bear in mind i am a patriotic Englishman so my answer might not be the most objective.

I have been quite disgusted by some judging I've seen in the UK, most recently the Joshua v Povetkin fight. Joshua might have been ahead at the time of the stoppage or he might not, but no way was he up by 5 rounds. Don't forget though that the judges were not from the UK so I don't see how they could be biased as a result of nationality.

Nor do I accept the possibility that pressure might be brought to bear by the British authorities (BBBC) this just doesn't happen. Pressure levied by Eddie Hearn? Does he have any influence over the appointment of judges? Surely that would be a clear violation of the rules, I just can't see it.

Maybe the judges get caught up in the vibe in the arena and are influenced without even realizing it, or maybe they believe that a hometown decision will be popular with the crowd and more importantly the organizers, and encourage them to invite that judge back again.

As to your final question: Despite the evidence so far, I have to believe that if Joshua were getting soundly beaten, then the decision would go to his opponent. I concede he would likely get the benefit of the doubt if it were close.

That is what I genuinely believe. You may feel I'm being a little naive and I don't rule out the possibility you may be right.

I don't think you are a naive person, but, you are surely an idealistic man. It is very, very simple, Hearn (or ODLH, or any Russian or German wealthy promoter) will always pay the judges (and refs) and they are always willing to be paid.
There are some exceptions, of course, but 90 % judges are corrupted, surely, and "the big money" is in the game.....Vibe in the arena and patriotism have nothing with this.....

[Ilya Muromets]

@Valmar: Being the UK fighter didn't help Hughie against Parker did it? They could have justified giving it to him, he had Parker chasing shadows, in fact Joe and his team were convinced he was about to lose his title, you only had to look at their faces.

Not that I'd expect results like that, which is hardly an isolated example, to affect anyone's preconceptions of course.

I would like to be wrong here, but, again, I predict : Pulev by robbery.

I said the same but my point is that we have some biased hometown judging in the UK but I still believe a visiting fighter has a better chance of faiir decision in the UK than most places. Maybe Bulgaria is not one of those 'most places' but forgive me if I don't hold my breath.

Go back half a century and the UK fighter was at a disadvantage because referees and judges would be making damn sure nobody could possibly accuse them of favouring their compatriot that they would be more likely to give the other guy the benefit of any doubt.

I remember West Ham's Paolo Di Canio catching the ball rather than scoring an easy goal (easy for him anyway) because the goalkeeper had gone down injured. That was 20+ years ago and it is fair to say most of the WHU fans did not appreciate his good sportsmanship. These days he might have got lynched

Renowned British sportsmanship and fair play, gone with the wind.

[Ilya Muromets]

I'm intrigued Ilya, this isn't the first time you have identified yourself as Bulgar. It confused the hell out of me first time as I'm trying to work out how that fits in with your "Tuscongrad" background?

I explained it to you, no? I'm not Bulgar, just hatched there. Where is Tucsongrad? Siberia, Bulgaria, Arizona?

[ron4972]

I regard Pulev as being one notch above Fury in ability. Assuming Pulev fights up to his ability level, he will beat Fury on points. That's because both guys are jabbers and stand-up orthodox boxers, with Pulev possessing superior strength, aggression, and power. Fury is chiefly a runner and a jabber, little more. Pulev's superb defense should nullify Fury's jab. From there, "The Cobra" should take control with his own jab (which is equally quick as Fury's, but more powerful) and thumping right hands. Pulev also has the capacity to rough up Fury on the ropes. Most important, maybe, is that the fight is occurring in Bulgaria, which is a big plus for Fury.

But Pulev is also coming back from a lengthy layoff, one and half years. That's a lot of ring rust. Will this handicap make Pulev sluggish or tense? I don't know. If the answer is yes, the Fury has a great chance of winning by decision. But that's the only way Fury can beat Pulev, IMO.

I checked out Pulev's fight against Arias for a sample of how "The Cobra" looks when he comes back after long layoffs. In that fight, Pulev looked like crap. I hope that's not an indicator of how Pulev will fight today.

All things considered, I still pick Pulev by a close decision.

[ron4972]

. It is very, very simple, Hearn (or ODLH, or any Russian or German wealthy promoter) will always pay the judges (and refs) and they are always willing to be paid.

This is always the case in boxing, everywhere in the world. That's because promoters invest a lot of money in building up their star fighters. The only way the promoter can see a financial return on that investment is if his fighter keeps winning. One loss can wreck everything on a marketing and promotional level. If that happens, then the promoter's investment goes sour.

Given this reality, it's no surprise that promoter's everywhere hedge their investment by paying off officials to favor the hometown fighter. That's kind of like buying an insurance policy to protect their investment in the event of a disaster.

Unfortunate, but true.

[Oiky]

Skullduggery everywhere

[Ilya Muromets]

Skullduggery everywhere

Except in friendly Bulgaria!

[Boxerbeetle]

Skullduggery everywhere

Except in friendly Bulgaria!

Holy fvck, one of those guys is the spitting image of me, I genuinely had to do a double take that it wasn’t me in the photo