Kubrat Pulev lasted 9 rounds, but lost with a spectacular knockout (video)

Kubrat Pulev showed character and fighting spirit, but failed to dethrone Anthony Joshua in the heavyweight category of professional boxing. The Bulgarian lasted nine rounds against the British machine, and 2:15 minutes after the start of the round he was eliminated by the defending world champion.

The 31-year-old Briton, eight younger than Pulev, appears to have learned a lesson from the Andy Ruiz fiasco and showed excellent discipline and strategy, which barely broke down.

The Bulgarian boxer also deserves the necessary respect, as he showed great endurance and although he was knocked out, he did not miss the opportunity to attack the opponent, enduring almost nine full rounds.

This was the second loss in Pulev’s professional career after Vladimir Klitschko’s in 2014.

Both fighters started cautiously in the first round, more than a minute from the end before Joshua’s left-to-right punch, and Kubrat responded with a left hook, trying to close the gap with feints. The cautious strategy remained available to both of them, they kept their distance in the second round – Pulev tried to pressure the opponent against the ropes, but was surprised by a powerful right uppercut. The cobra mainly attacked with his left hand, but found good defense, as Anthony visibly made better shots.

The third round was one of the key moments. Joshua knocked down his opponent twice with powerful right hooks, with which he broke the Bulgarian defense and dropped Pulev. The verbal banter peaked early in the fourth round, AJ dictated the pace with good combinations, and Kubrat was still shaking. However, he managed to land two strong blows and came back to life, finishing offensively.