Kubrat Pulev: Klitscko Does Not Deserve My Respect

Bulgarian heavyweight boxer Kubrat Pulev returned to Bulgaria late on Sunday evening following his November 15 encounter with Wladimir Klitschko, in which the Ukrainian successfully defended his IBF title.

Despite his defeat, which had occurred in the 5^th round through a knockout, The Cobra was greeted at Sofia airport by supporters and representatives of the media as a champion.

Pulev expressed his gratitude to the whole Bulgarian nation for standing behind him, and especially to the people that came all the way to Hamburg to cheer for him.

In his words this was a testimony of the unity and warmth of the Bulgarian nation.

Pulev declared that he is continuing to develop and learn from his mistakes, as life is a school, just like boxing is.

Pulev was aided to a great extent by the audience, the majority of which was made of Bulgarians, which created the feeling that the match was being held in Bulgaria.

In his judgment, he played the match well, but was lacking both luck and experience, stating that further analyses and a press conference are forthcoming.

Pulev denied being too emotional in his remarks after the match. As to the possibility of a return match, Pulev doubted that one will take place.

At the end he answered to criticisms hurled at him for not paying the due respect to the heavyweight champion following the end of the match, when Pulev had said that Klitschko won due to a mere chance.

Pulev replied that he still did not hold Klitschko in high regard, as the reigning champion did not deserve such an attitude.

The reception of Pulev's performance and his comments after the match were mixed in Bulgaria. While some supported him, proclaiming him the real winner and praising his courage, others criticised him of his lack of tactics and strategy during the match and for his inability to accept the defeat with dignity.

The foreign media were more moderate in their reports, the dominating opinion being that Klitschko deserved his defence of the title, with Pulev showing an attractive boxing and a great heart, but lacking the experience to win.    

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