Kubrat Pulev insists money isn’t everything after pulling out of £4million Anthony Joshua fight
Bulgarian stood to earn career-high payday for taking on world heavyweight champion on October 28 but has withdrawn because of injury
KUBRAT PULEV insisted money is not everything after pulling out of a £4million fight with Anthony Joshua.
A shoulder injury forced the Bulgarian to withdraw just 11 days before he was scheduled to take on the IBF, WBA and IBO world heavyweight champion.
Pulev, 36, will miss out on the biggest payday of his career after being replaced by Cameroonian-born Frenchman Carlos Takam.
But, posting on his Facebook account, the Bulgarian said: "Hello, friends!
"I am aware that the news of my injury and the subsequent cancellation of the game between me and Anthony Joshua for the world title surprised you.
"It wasn't easy for me to make that decision! I know, in my place, almost everyone would choose to get into the ring in Cardiff, despite everything and collect a few million.
"Anyone else, but not me!
"In my life and in my world, it's not all money. I've learned that a man goes into battle to win it. I understand that despite the vicissitudes of life, a man should not cheat on his beliefs.
"Anthony Joshua has to defend world titles against a strong rival and I'm glad he already has one.
"I'm still more thirsty for this battle, and I think it's only a matter of time. It is such challenges that make my heart beat hard and feel that I am truly alive. In a week's time, we tried everything to heal the injury, but everything needs its own.
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"I take it as a sign. If God decided, then that's how it was meant to be. Still, I will be myself and I will not betray my principles. A few million won't make me richer or happier.
"My wealth is the undying love of the Bulgarian people, from whom I always buy strength and inspiration and that gives me the meaning of everything I do!
"Thank you from the heart of all Bulgarians for faith and support! They mean a lot to me, especially at a time like this!
"We're moving on! 🥊🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬"
Joshua, 28, taunted both Pulev and Takam by claiming he needed to Google their names to know who he was up against.
He told talkSPORT: "I've been watching Pulev for the last three months. As soon as the announcement was made, instead of typing Pulev into a search engine, I've typed in Takam.
"I have to know his strengths and weaknesses. The same job is at hand - I've got to get the win."
