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The long-awaited November 15 match that is to determine the holder of the International Boxing Federation's title has further raised the spirits, as the two opponents continue their verbal attacks on each other.
The two heavyweights, reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko from Ukraine, and his challenger undefeated Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev, had their latest brawl in front of the cameras of NOVA TV, which will be showing live the Saturday match in Bulgaria.
Pulev said that he is in excellent condition, and will be relying on God's help and that of the Bulgarian nation for a successful outcome.
Following their Wednesday open workout, an issue emerged with the gloves that the two boxers will be wearing. At the workout, Klitschko's camp handed to Pulev a pair of gloves, with which he had not practised before. This allowed the Ukrainian to complete his workout, while the Bulgarian could only do a short warm-up.
Pulev accused Klitschko of having established a monopoly over the four belts, having in mind the titles hold by the Ukrainian. Dr. Steelhammer is the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organization (WBO) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) champion.
According to Pulev this granted Klitschko with the advantage to do whatever was to his liking. As an example, the Bulgarian pointed out the rigorous drug testing to which he has been subjected.
Klitschko refused to comment Pulev's accusations, saying that The Cobra was using these as an excuse. In his turn, the Ukrainian accused the Bulgarian of never being content with anything. He pointed out to Pulev's refusal to attend their Monday joint pressconference, his unsatisfaction with the gloves, and comments on the drug testing.
In spite of all these incidents, Klitschko expressed respect for his opponent, saying that he deserved to be facing him. The Ukrainian ended in a provocative way, remarking that Pulev should not miss the pressconference after the match, as he will have something important to say.
Meanwhile, the US boxer Shannon Briggs added additional tension to the Wednesday open workout. The former WBO heavyweight champion appeared half-naked at the Volkswagen center, challenging Klitschko to the ring, before being taken away by the security guards.
The match of the year takes place on November 15 at the O2 World arena in Hamburg.
In Bulgaria, NOVA TV will be live broacasting the match, with a commentary studio commencing at 11 pm.
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