Kubrat Pulev Issues Apology For Anthony Joshua ‘Tan’ Comment
As we’ve heard by now, mandatory IBF heavyweight title challenger Kubrat Pulev has been rescheduled against WBA, WBO, IBO, and IBF Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua on December 12.
This bout will take place at the 02 Arena in London, England. It will be Joshua’s first fight in a year, and it will be Pulev’s first fight in thirteen months.
Pulev felt the need to issue an apology to Joshua for something he said at a press conference in Bulgaria earlier this week. When he was asked what his opponents strengths were, he replied, “I’d say he has a very powerful punch undeniably, (and) his tan is better than mine.”
Pulev has since had some time to reflect on his choice of words in that moment, and has issued the following statement considering: (Via Michael Benson)
“I would never, under any circumstances, allow myself to show disrespect to another human being on racial, ethnic, or religious grounds. That’s what I’ve been teaching my little nephews all the time.
“Each of us is born on this earth with equal rights, and skin color is completely irrelevant. I can’t believe how my words about Anthony Joshua have been taken out of context. It never even occurred to me to discredit another sportsman because of the color of his skin!
“Amongst my friends there are people of different races and ethnicities. They are all great and worthy people, as well as my very good, long-standing friends whom I respect and love.
“It is 2020 and I very much hope that people would stop this small-mindedness and that human beings would evolve intellectually to realize that the truly valuable human qualities in this world are not manifested externally, but through the power of the human spirit and the virtues we carry within ourselves!
“Therefore, if somebody has been offended by my words, I hope they would try to understand exactly what I meant by them and if they cannot understand me, then accept my sincere apology.”
Pulev looks to capture Joshua’s four titles and improve his record to 29-1, and Joshua looks to defend his four titles after just reclaiming them and improve his record to 24-1.
If you enjoyed this piece, please feel free to share it on social media!
