Anthony Joshua knocks out Pulev to retain heavyweight titles

ANTHONY Joshua successfully defended his world heavyweight titles early this morning, as he knocked out his Bulgarian challenger, Kubrat Pulev, in the 9th round.

Only 1,000 fans were granted access to Wembley Arena to watch the fight in deference to the coronavirus pandemic protocols.

The British heavyweight boxer, who however, reminds his fans all the time, he is a Nigerian from Ijebu land in Ogun State, floored his Bulgarian challenger twice in Round 3 and twice more in the 9th, and the final round.

The dramatic and entertaining contest began with the two men appearing hesitant to exchange jabs.

With a few uppercuts in the ninth round, Joshua dropped Pulev before a straight brutal right hand wiped the challenger out, putting him down for the count.

Joshua’s victory has boosted the prospect of a historic fight against fellow Briton Tyson Fury.

After the win, Joshua said: “I started this game in 2013, gathered the belts.

“Whoever has the belts I want to compete with. If that is Tyson Fury, let it be Tyson Fury.”

The IBF, WBA and WBO champion stands a chance to become the undisputed heavyweight champion if he goes on to beat Fury, who holds the WBC heavyweight title.

Joshua, 31, has now won 24 of his 25 professional fights, while Pulev, 39, has a record of 28 victories and now two losses.