Nigerian born boxer Anthony Joshua on Saturday night retained heavyweight titles in stunning style after securing a ninth-round knockout against IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev at the SSE Arena outside London.
The WBA, IBF, WBO heavyweight champion dropped Pulev twice in round three after two slow rounds in front of the 1,000 socially distanced spectators. Joshua was patient to outbox Pulev in rounds four through eight before he then dropped his challenger in round nine.
Although Pulev beat the count, the Nigerian born Joshua responded with a big right hand to put him down for the count.
The 31-year-old boxer was fighting for the first time since regaining his belts from Andy Ruiz Jr with a point victory last December.
Joshua after the fight had indicated that he wanted a fight with WBC champion, Tyson Fury but will also entertain other challengers for the belt.
Fury in his response posted a video message on social media stating that he is ready to knock out Joshua in three rounds.