Kubrat Pulev has been forced to apologised after he was accused of racism over a comment he made about Anthony Joshua ahead of their world heavyweight title bout.
The 39-year-old Bulgarian will fight the Nigerian-British heavyweight champion for his WBA, IBF, and WBO titles, with the fight now set to take place in London on December 12.
Earlier this week, Pulev was asked about his verdict on Joshua ahead of their fight, he then went on to make a controversial comment about his skin colour.
‘His strengths? I’d say he has a very powerful punch undeniably,’ said Pulev during a press conference.
‘What are his other strengths? His tan is better than mine.’
Pulev has now released a statement after his comment sparked accusations of racism from boxing fans.
I would never, under any circumstances, allow myself to show disrespect to another human being on racial, ethnic or religious grounds,’ the 39-year-old said.
‘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.’
