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Anthony Joshua Reveals What Boxing Legend Floyd Mayweather Told Him After Kubrat Pulev Fight

Anthony Joshua Reveals What Boxing Legend Floyd Mayweather Told Him After Kubrat Pulev Fight

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather said ahead of the Kubrat Pulev fight that he is "proud" of two-time unified world champ Anthony Joshua.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Anthony Joshua has opened up about his conversation with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather after his victory over Kubrat Pulev on Saturday.

The 31-year-old Brit superstar made his first world title defence in London since regaining his championship crown from Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia last December.

And 'AJ' looked comfortable in the ring and floored Pulev twice in the third round at The SSE Arena.

While Joshua took his foot slightly off the pedal, the two-time unified world champ knocked the IBF mandatory challenger down twice in the ninth round to seal a KO victory.

Following the Pulev fight, the heavyweight left the ring to embrace Mayweather, who surprised many fans with his presence at ringside.

Speaking on YouTube, Joshua revealed that the undefeated Mayweather told him that boxing is a game of "chess, not checkers."

'AJ,' who will be eying up a mega-unification bout with WBC champ Tyson Fury, added that he is "staying true to myself" and is "learning every day."

He explained: "What can I say, this is the fight game, at the same time I'm not in competition with anyone apart from myself.

"I'm staying true to myself, learning every day, I get older, I get wiser, I learn that this boxing game is chess and not checkers.

"I play a smart game and I make the right moves at the right time.

"Round nine, I got the knockout and onto the next."

Mayweather spoke highly of Joshua ahead of the Pulev clash and admitted that he is "proud" of the Brit.

The 43-year-old American told Sky Sports: "It's always good to see some great boxing.

"The UK is a great place, so many great fighters. I am proud of Anthony Joshua, and it's lights, camera, action.

"He is one of the best heavyweights out there. Got a gold medal before. His career is going great, he is a hell of a fighter.

"Anything can happen in the sport of boxing, one shot can change it all. He is a great fighter, hell of a guy a gentleman and I respect his craft."

Fury, 32, wasted no time in reacting to Joshua's post-fight interview by saying that 'AJ' "s**t himself" on live television.

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Sky Sports

Topics: AJ, Kubrat Pulev, Boxing News, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Floyd Mayweather