Anthony Joshua defeats opponent for 9-round knockout, AJ picked apart his heavyweight challenger on Saturday, 12th December, 2020, to retain his titles in front of the home crowd
A year removed from his 2-fight series with Andy Ruiz Jr. which included the 1st loss of his pro career in June 2019, AJ emerged a safer and more calculated version of himself in Saturday’s return. That doesn’t mean, nonetheless, that the unified heavyweight champion couldn’t deliver the boom.
Anthony Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) recorded four knockdowns against a determined mandatory challenger in Kubrat Pulev (28-2, 14 KOs) en route to an impressive 9-round TKO in front of 1,000 audience adhering to the Coronavirus guidelines and protocols inside London’s Wembley Arena.
Even though that it was clear Joshua, 31, hadn’t forgotten about the angered stoppage he suffered to Ruiz before avenging it by decision in December 2019, the British boxer was able to balance safety with firepower by relying on his big jab and avoiding getting too reckless in going for the finish. A big part of that was how responsible the Kubrat Puley, 39, was throughout coupled with how much the native of Bulgaria was able to retain the threat of his right hand in order to hang around deep into the fight.
“It was a fight. I want less talk and more action in boxing. I hope everyone was satisfied tonight,” Joshua said. “I stuck to what I know best — boxing, looking to where I put my shots. When I was successful, I was successful. I really don’t want to do an interview right now, I just want everyone to go home and enjoy their Christmas.”
After a tentative start in which the British star pawed with his jab and negotiated distance, the 6-foot-6 Anthony Joshua at long last made his power felt in Round 3 with a right cross that staggered Kubrat Puley. A flurry of combinations from AJ followed until a right uppercut forced Kubrat Puley to turn his back and head for cover in the corner.
The Bulgarian was lucky he wasn’t counted out for doing so and was given a standing 8-count despite not being floored. Few moments later, AJ appeared close to finishing the job altogether when a second right uppercut deposited Pulev to the canvas late in the round.
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