'Ice cold': Boxing world erupts over 'brutal' Anthony Joshua KO
Anthony Joshua has retained his heavyweight titles with a stunning ninth round knockout victory against Kubrat Pulev.
The Englishman looked dominated the fight and looked to have the victory wrapped up in the third round after sending his Bulgarian opponent to the canvas.
'IT'S INSANE: Spiranac slams Mayweather's fight with Youtuber
‘HOW PEOPLE DIE’: Boxing in shock over 'shameful' scenes
Pulev managed to regroup but always looked up against it despite taking Joshua deep into the contest.
The Brit's power and class eventually prevailed as he landed the powerful KO blow on Puelv in the ninth round to retain his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight belts.
Pulev, like Joshua, had suffered only one loss as a professional going into Saturday’s bout at Wembley - a knockout by Wladimir Klitschko in 2014.
Joshua, who defeated Klitschko, had not fought at home since he beat Alexander Povetkin in 2018.
The 31-year-old’s win sets up the mouthwatering prospect of an all-English heavyweight unification bout against Tyson Fury, who holds the WBC belt.
Joshua’s brutal finish to the fight, where he hurt Pulev with a big uppercut, before finishing him off with a massive straight right, left fight fans in awe.
Savage KO lights up boxing world
AJ has done it in the ninth! 👏
Joshua unleashes a flurry of uppercuts to send Pulev to the canvas! 🥊
What a way to win it! 🙌— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 12, 2020
What a win @anthonyfjoshua #AJboxing
— Ria Chandarana (@Ria_Chandarana) December 12, 2020
Absolutely smashed it! @anthonyfjoshua @SkySportsBoxing could of been done with earlier, solid punches to bother head and body, best performance from Joshua since 2017 https://t.co/l2GsEqGdot
— Benjamin Chadwick (@BenjaminChadwi9) December 12, 2020
🥊🇬🇧 AJ BATTERS BRAVE PULEV IN 9
Anthony Joshua delivers a stunning finish to dispatch of brave Kubrat Pulev
Pulev showed an unbelievable chin to survive to the ninth but a monster uppercut dropped him and heavy right ended it in style
All 👀 on Joshua Fury next?#JoshuaPulev pic.twitter.com/rLJBzS77I3— BOXING UK 🥊🇬🇧 (@Boxing_UK_) December 12, 2020
Spectacular showreel finish by Anthony Joshua to knock out Kubrat Pulev in nine rounds. He says he’s ready for Tyson Fury next in what will be the biggest fight in British boxing history. #joshuafury
— David Anderson (@MirrorAnderson) December 12, 2020
AJ knockout win !!!
That punch was ice cold
Anthony Joshua Vs Tyson Fury up next. Fight of the century Star-struck
Two of my favorite boxers. This is going to be epic#JoshuaPulev pic.twitter.com/B2FOd8FEvr— Deshinor 💫🎗 (@donadeshina) December 12, 2020
Ohhh Anthony Joshua.... Great fight. Uppercuts just wow! Get in AJ. He is always humble#Heavyweight Champion of the world.
— Youssef (@YousLFC) December 12, 2020
Fantastic performance from AJ. Devastating.👊💪🥊 Credit to Pulev, some chin.👏👏👏
— Derek O'Neill (@u2deek) December 12, 2020
The 31-year-old Briton was close to winning when he floored Pulev in the third round after a sweet right hand but the challenger recovered to test the home favourite in front of a limited crowd of 1,000.
Pulev, 39, remained dangerous, without causing Joshua many anxious moments, but there was no escape in the ninth.
Joshua landed a clubbing right upper-cut which sent Pulev to the canvas.
The Bulgarian got back to his feet but it was lights out moments later when Joshua connected with another huge right hand to end the contest.
Attention has now turned to the expected showdown between Joshua and Fury, in what would be one of the biggest fights in British boxing history.
An agreement in principle for Joshua and WBC champion Fury to finally go head-to-head has been in place since earlier this year.
This week, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn said he was "as close to 100 per cent" as he could be that the much-anticipated bout would happen next year.
with agencies
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.