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A closer look at Anthony Joshua's upcoming clash with Kubrat Pulev

:Headline: A closer look at Anthony Joshua's upcoming clash with Kubrat Pulev: ID:425754: from db_amp
It will be third time lucky for Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev this weekend.

Anthony Joshua is back on home soil and preparing for his first fight in the UK for over two years when he takes on Kubrat Pulev at Wembley's SSE Arena on Saturday.

The Bulgarian is the IBF mandatory challenger to the heavyweight champion and will finally get the chance to face the Londoner after two previous attempts failed.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the key issues ahead of Joshua's return to the ring.

What is on the line?

Anthony Joshua won back his belts with victory against Andy Ruiz Jr in the Clash on the Dunes (Nick Potts/PA)

A dominant display from the 31-year-old against Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia last year saw him win back his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts. Victory on points ensured Joshua was again at the top and in line for a showdown with long-term rival Tyson Fury, who holds the WBC heavyweight title. The 2012 Olympic gold medallist will take nothing for granted at the SSE Arena after Ruiz Jr stunned him 18 months ago to win in the seventh round at Madison Square Garden. And with success over Pulev, as is predicted, Joshua will ensure he stays on track for a huge fight next year.

How sharp will the heavyweights be?

A crowd of 1,000 will be able to attend the Matchroom show after the government relaxed lockdown restrictions last week and placed London in tier two. After being granted approval for fans by local authorities, the seats were snapped up in rapid time on Friday morning with VIP tickets priced at £1,000. In addition to a crowd being let into a boxing bout in the UK live for the first time in nine months, there could be some key figures in stands. All eyes will be on whether Fury attends. Eddie Hearn insisted last week that the 'Gypsy King' would be "doing his research and building the fight" if he attended. With Fury's cousin Hughie on the undercard, it would surprise no one to see Britain's other great heavyweight champion watching on.

Could a shock be produced?

Anthony Joshua was knocked down four times by Andy Ruiz Jr on his way to a shock defeat 18 months ago (Nick Potts/PA)

Joshua has been here before. Ahead of facing Ruiz Jr in New York, a lot of the talk was on a future clash with Deontay Wilder, who was holder of the WBC title at the time. All that was required was a routine victory at Madison Square Garden but the result was a surprise loss after being knocked down four times. This time a big chunk of the focus is on a Battle of the Brits in 2021 but Joshua will be well aware of Pulev's threat after being set to face him three years ago. With an age, reach and height advantage, there should only be one winner and with this Joshua's first and only fight of a challenging year, the heavyweight champion will be out to put on a show and wear down his rival before an explosive finish in the latter half of the bout is produced.

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