Kubrat Pulev reinstated; targets Andy Ruiz Jr!
It’s now official, heavyweight Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev (27-1, 14 KO’s) has been reinstated to fight. This decision was legitimized when a 6-0 vote was submitted by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).
Four months ago, on March 23, Pulev thoughtlessly stormed boxing headlines for all the wrongs reasons. On that day, following a triumphant win in the ring over Bogdan Dinu, the Cobra granted Jennifer Ravalo a post-fight interview.
WATER UDNER THE BRIDGE
Toward the conclusion of the interaction with Ravalo, Pulev abruptly kissed the reporter on the mouth. The jarring action undoubtedly took her by surprise and the impromptu inquiry was immediately halted. Within days of the unsanctioned lip lock, Ravalo secured high profile attorney Gloria Allred with the promise of a legal firestorm.
Meanwhile, the CSAC levied a suspension against Pulev, fined him $2,5oo and required him to receive formal education on sexual harassment.
During these last few months on the sideline, the Cobra successfully satisfied all the stipulations put forth in his formal suspension. Ravalo and Allred did hop in the headlines one more time, when they made a play to extend Pulev’s suspension.
The two women were salty about some rather glib comments that Bob Arum, Pulev’s promoter, made in an interview. Regardless of their last minute efforts, The Bulgarian pugilist has been granted the green light to resume his professional career.
Now that Pulev can leave the porch once again, he hopes to swiftly become a major player in the red hot heavyweight division. The Bulgarian bruiser has only been defeated once, and that lone setback was to former heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko. Although, that loss was roughly five years ago.
Currently, the Cobra is the mandatory challenger for the IBF title currently held by Andy “Destroyer” Ruiz Jr (33-1, 22 KO’s). Team Pulev believe now is the time to go for that strap.
Kubrat has been training over the past few months. He is the #1 contender for the IBF belt and now it’s time for us to demand the opportunity to fight against the current champion Andy Ruiz.
“Maybe we’ll go the IBF route and it could be Ruiz. Maybe a fight with Tyson Fury could be in the mix. You never know.”
Ivaylo Gotzev – Epic Sports
GUNNING FOR A BIG FIGHT
Unfortunately for Pulev, both Fury and Ruiz could be tied up for a while. It’s true that Fury is currently available to schedule a fight, however, the Gypsy King has made it very clear he wants to face an American in America.
Due to this, the Hungarian could only satisfy half of the Team Fury’s showdown requisites. Although, both Pulev and Fury have ties to Top Rank, so it’ll be interesting to see if the marketing plan for Fury or the ease of contracting san in-house fight prevails.
Ruiz, on the other hand, has a soon to be announced dance date with Anthony “AJ” Joshua (22-1, 21 KO’s). The bout will serve as a rematch to their original June 1 collision. In that fight, the severe underdog, Ruiz, shocked the world when he repeatedly cold-cocked AJ and sent him to the canvas on four separate occasions.
Within seven rounds Ruiz emerged from Madison Square Garden a four-belt wielding champion.
Before Pulev can get a crack out the Destroyer, AJ first gets his attempt to reclaim his hostilely usurped hardware.
However, it’s very likely that the winner of Ruiz v Joshua could go straight into a unification bout with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KO’s). Given that this would be a total unification of all the heavyweight belts resulting in one undisputed champion, it’s nearly unthinkable that the IBF would stand in the way.
So, with the pieces lined up as they are, it will be interesting to see who the Cobra fights next because his shot at the IBF seems to be somewhat down the road.
By: Bakari Simpson
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