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Anthony Joshua retained the world heavyweight boxing titles after defeating Kubrat Pulev. He shattered the Bulgarian’s dream of taking the throne of world boxing in a match at London’s Wembley Arena with a ninth-round knockout.
For Pulev, this was the second attempt to become world champion, after Vladimir Klitschko knocked him out in 2014.
Joshua retains four of the heavyweight belts: the International Boxing Federation (IBF), the World Boxing Association (WBA), the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and the International Boxing Organization (IBO).
This was the 30th match in the professional career of the 39-year-old Bulgarian, who recorded a second defeat. Joshua recorded his 25th professional game and has only one loss. 22 of Joshua’s victories are after a knockout.
Pulev played a good game, rebounding from a critical third round in which he was knocked down twice. After that, the Bulgarian was very aggressive and tried to reverse the development of the match, but when forced to take a chance, he was knocked out by Joshua’s powerful blows.
“I hope everyone is happy with the show. Congratulations should go entirely to my team who did a great job. I want to talk less and fight more. May everyone have a wonderful Christmas and an exciting 2021,” he said. Joshua after the meeting.
He greeted the 1,000 spectators at Wembley Arena.
“Of course my dream next year is to chase the belt that I miss. If it is owned by Tyson Fury then I will have to beat him,” said the Briton when asked if he would challenge Fury to determine the overall world champion.
First round
The two boxers approached cautiously, keeping their distance in the ring. Pulev tried to keep his guard up, but he didn’t move as much in the ring. Joshua managed three times to land a left-to-right shot to Pulev’s head.
The Bulgarian once tried to close the distance and take a shot, but missed the target with a hook.
Second round
Pulev approached Joshua and above all made the champion seek his place in the ring. The Bulgarian once pressed Joshua against the ropes, but was unable to make a successful attack.
The Brit also showed he can be offensive, landing a right uppercut to Pulev’s head.
The round ended with an exchange of comments between the two after the gong.
Third round
The Bulgarian again changed strategy: a kick and then an immediate clinch, with which he tried to “hang” on the champion. However, Joshua quickly went on the counter offensive.
The Briton knocked down Pulev twice, inflicting very heavy blows on Pulev.
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In the end, the Bulgarian held on to the gong despite a critical 40 seconds.
Fourth round
After the critical third round, Pulev managed to recover a bit. He came forward and decided not to let Joshua lead the fight, Pulev made two shots, but Joshua also had his accurate punches.
Fifth round
Pulev made his best round since the start of the match, twice managing to place a successful left-right combination. Although Joshua replaced the uppercut, Pulev adjusted to the correct distance and approached with more confidence.
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Sixth round
Good second round in a row for the Bulgarian, who boldly stepped up, landed punches and often clinched tactically. The two boxers also traded multiple times, but Joshua ran into Pulev twice.
Seventh round
Pulev’s shortening of distance opened up opportunities for Joshua to attack. Several times the Briton was very dangerous with his uppercut, while Pulev was content with direct shots.
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The round went back to the champion’s account.
Eighth round
The round began with clinches and warnings from the ring judge, but immediately afterwards Pulev landed a very nice right hook to Joshua’s head.
After that, neither of them had such clear chances. However, Joshua remained active with several blows, alternating head and body.
Ninth round
Joshua showed more freshness than the Bulgarian. He bet on direct blows, shortening the distance and the uppercut. There were signs of fatigue in Pulev, and Joshua immediately took advantage.
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The champion first knocked Pulev to the ground with several uppercuts. Finally, the challenger stood up and continued the fight, but was hit on the chin by Joshua’s right hook and sent for a knockout.
