Kubrat Pulev hopes to fight Dillian Whyte next but says 'many things still need to be agreed'
Friday 18 May 2018 16:02, UK
Kubrat Pulev says Dillian Whyte is the ideal opponent for him but admits that "a lot of things need to be agreed" before their IBF final eliminator is confirmed.
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The Bulgarian heavyweight has released a statement to give an update on his current situation and is happy to face Whyte with the goal of once again becoming mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua's IBF belt.
The purse bid for the elimination fight between Pulev and Whyte - who was denied the chance to become WBC mandatory challenger to Deontay Wilder - has been rescheduled for May 24 in the hope that a deal can be finalised between the two teams.
Pulev, in an official statement on his website, said: "I do want to fight with him [Whyte] and I think that he is a perfect opponent for me.
I do want to fight with Whyte and I think that he is a perfect opponent for me. There are a lot of things that need to be agreed on before setting a date.
"It is getting pretty interesting in the heavyweight division. I read everywhere all kinds of publications, thoughts, analyses of media, managers, promoters and fans of boxing for my upcoming match.
"Regarding being the official contender of the IBF, everything is great and I am happy that I will be in the ring again very soon.
"Until a few days ago nobody had spoken to me about a fight on a particular date. I learned that from the media. My promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland are amazing people but we are rarely in contact and not to mention me confirming a fight with Dillian Whyte.
"Around every fight there are a lot of things that need to be agreed on before setting a date."
Pulev's promoter Nisse Sauerland does expects a deal to be reached for the Whyte fight but is willing to explore other options should they need to.
I hope we can get the details thrashed out and get it on. I expect it to happen and July 28 has been talked about as a potential date.
"Negotiations are still ongoing and it is a great fight," Sauerland exclusively told Sky Sports, "Whyte did very well against Lucas Browne and although Kubrat has been inactive, it makes it exciting.
"Hopefully, we can get the details thrashed out and get it on.
"I expect it to happen and July 28 has been talked about as a potential date.
"Bulgaria is an option but I like London and Kubrat would be happy to come back to the UK if it makes sense.
"Whyte is the focus for us, but we're not waiting on him. If he doesn't want the fight, then we move on.
"We would love Pulev-Whyte to happen, we enjoy working with Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports, and it always works well."
