Anthony Joshua Knocks Out Kubrat Pulev To Retain World Titles

Anthony Joshua has retained his world heavyweight titles after defeating Kubrat Pulev in front of 1000 fans at Wembley Arena.

AJ boxed his way to ninth round knockout win to retain the WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles in his first fight in over a year.

The 31-year-old came in weighing 240.8lbs, three lbs heavier than when he defeated Andy Ruiz Jr.

Both fighters started off incredibly cagey, but Joshua managed to hit Pulev with a sharp jab in the first round.

Joshua started the second round on fire and levelled the Bulgarian with a five-punch combination, which Pulev smiled at.

In a similar strategy to his last fight, Joshua maintained distance in the second and used his massive reach to attack the body.

But he could smell blood in the third round and unloaded at will, wiping the smile of Pulev's face and rocking the 39-year-old.

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Despite the dominance, Pulev did grow into the fight and throw some firm hits in the middle rounds after bringing the former Olympian close.

Round seven saw Joshua regain control and he managed to keep his distance effectively.

Joshua then sealed a win towards the end of the ninth round after a huge punch.

Following the fight, he told fans it was all about 'less talk and more action' while admitting he didn't want to do an interview.

Watford-born Joshua's record now stands at 24-1 and next up could be a highly-anticipated title unification clash with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

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When asked about a fight with Fury, Joshua said: "Wembley Arena, can you hear me. Let's make some noise!

"One thousand fans, I love you all. Boxing is about less talk and more actions and I hope everyone was satisfied.

"For me, I stuck to what I know best. The boxing. I don't really want to do an interview. Go and have a lovely Christmas and we'll see you in 2021.

"You ask the crowd what they want to see.

"Last year, 2019. I want to challenge. It's not about the opponent. It's about the legacy and the belt. If that's Tyson Fury, let it be Tyson Fury. It's no big deal."

Topics: Kubrat Pulev, Boxing News, Anthony Joshua, Boxing

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_