By Geno McGahee
In a bad mix of styles, Kubrat Pulev, 26-1, 13 KO’s, proved much stronger and more consistent against the awkward Hughie Fury, 21-2, 11 KO’s, taking a wide unanimous decision by scores of 117-111, 118-110 and 115-113. Fury tried to be more aggressive, but his looping overhand right would not find the mark much. Pulev would duck and the two would fall into a clinch.
In the second round, Fury was cut over his left eye and he stepped up the aggression, trying to end the fight before the doctor could. The Fury corner was able to control the bleeding and the fight went on with very few highlights for either fighter. Fury landed a good right hand, but the follow up was sloppy. Pulev found his rhythm late, sweeping the last few rounds as Fury’s exhaustion was evident.
Pulev is now the mandatory in the IBF, currently held by Anthony Joshua.
