Anthony Joshua has defeated Bulgarian boxer, Kubrat Pulev to retain his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight world titles.
The Briton smashed home a hard right hand in round three that forced his mandatory challenger to face a count and then sent him to the canvas with an uppercut seconds later.
Jomog News Nigeria reports that the British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, knocked out Bulgarian boxer, Kubrat Pulev, in the ninth round of their world title bout at the SSE Arena, Wembley, to retain his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.
The world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua mixed power and patience as he knocked out Kubrat Pulev to raise hopes that a historic fight against Tyson Fury could soon be a reality.
The fight is Joshua’s first since reclaiming his belts from Andy Ruiz in December 2019 in Saudi Arabia.
Both boxers were cautious in the first two rounds with Joshua using more of his jabs.
Pulev has been unbeaten in his last eight fights since losing via knockout to Wladimir Klitschko in 2014.
The 39-year-old won 28 of his previous 29 with 14 by way of knockout.
South African referee Deon Dwarte stopped the fight after the ninth round knock down.
Joshua’s victory sets up a potential all-British heavyweight unification bout against Tyson Fury in 2021.
Moments after this fine blend of poise and heavy punching, the 1,000 fans granted access to Wembley Arena roared at the prospect of the IBF, WBA and WBO champion facing WBC title-holder Fury next.
“Whoever has the belts I want to compete with. If that is Tyson Fury, let it be Tyson Fury,” said Joshua, 31.
Fellow Briton Fury quickly went on social media and posted: “I want the fight. I want the fight next.
I will knock him out inside three rounds. I can’t wait to knock him out.”
