Anthony Joshua silenced his critics in fashion, as he defended his unified heavyweight straps against Kubrat Pulev in a clinical knockout on round 9 of their 12-rounds clash
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The headliner went to the distance and Joshua outpointed his Bulgarian adversary throughout. While he seemingly went ahead with the ‘hit and jab’ strategy, Joshua also poured some serious assault on Pulev, knocking him down twice in the third round.
From the very beginning, Joshua appeared confident and was the one to emerge with early aggression. Although Pulev planted a couple of good shots, the Brit seemed ready with the response.
Well, Pulev also deserves some credit. The 39-year-old consumed Joshua’s best shots including some brutal uppercuts. However, he remained on his feet and kept the show running until round 9.
ANTHONY JOSHUA. BOOM.
Moreover, ‘The Cobra’ had his moments in round 8 when he outstroke Joshua with good shots. Bur round 9 saw the champion return in his primary form.
Following some intense uppercuts, Joshua knocked out Pulev and ended his KO-draught after two years. From Klitschko to Pulev, none had the answer to Anthony Joshua’s uppercut, and it’s time for the Briton to relish his victory.
Prior to the fight, several people had belittled the Brit’s punching abilities. But it’s time to eat those words as Joshua left no doubts inside the squared circle.
The heavyweight blockbuster grabbed attention from all over the world. Several people have already reacted to the contest and here’s some from the mix.
Nothing sexier than a naughty little uppercut.
Vicious! Pulev was so so brave and had a serious chin but AJ as an athlete is exceptional! His boxing IQ is improving with every fight and he’s only getting better! Very clever at times tonight and as usual a CLINICAL finisher!
Like I said ALL night ; just move your darn hands and get rid of this guy! Finally. #JoshuaPulev
Great work by Joshua. And even better work by Twitter. If you know what I’m saying. 🤫🤐
Let’s get Joshua V fury on 🔥🔥🔥
next up AJ
I’m happy watching AJ dismantle Pulev! 😂
It looks like the stage is set for the biggest Heavyweight championship fight since Ali-Frazier in 1971, when @Tyson_Fury meets @anthonyfjoshua for the undisputed crown. We at Top Rank will start on Monday working to put that fight together.
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury also watched the matchup. If things fall in place, he will face Joshua as he vows to knock out ‘AJ’ like Deontay Wilder.
.@anthonyfjoshua it’s a matter of time..... ⏰ ⏰ ⏰ I’ll spank you like I did @BronzeBomber 2/3 rounds. #YOUBUMSOSER #letsgetiton
What’s next for Anthony Joshua?
The victory enables him to demand a title unification fight against WBC champion Tyson Fury. Joshua is back to the top spot and the ultimate Brit showdown makes sense at this stage.
However, he will enjoy his win for the time and will seemingly take time-off. He was pumped up after the big win and gave a shout-out to the whole Wembley Arena.
Reuters
Boxing – Heavyweight World Title Fight – Anthony Joshua v Kubrat Pulev – The SSE Arena, London, Britain – December 12, 2020 Anthony Joshua in action against Kubrat Pulev Pool via REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
It is no surprise he is still the lethal big-shot of the heavyweight unit and it’s difficult to dance inside the ring against him.
How would you rate AJ’s performance against Pulev?