Reigning IBO, IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, knocked out Kubrat Pulev to retain his world titles and look ahead to a potential undisputed fight with Tyson Fury.
Joshua who floored the Bulgarian twice in the third round finished the job near the end of the ninth round on Saturday to retain his IBF, WBO and WBA belts.
The 31-year-old Nigerian-born Briton was close to winning when he floored Pulev in the third round after a sweet right hand at the Wembley Arena in London.
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 round.
Joshua landed a clubbing right upper-cut which sent Pulev to the canvas.
The Bulgarian got back to his feet but Joshua connected with another huge right hand to end the contest.
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury thretened Joshua after the reigning IBO, IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight champion defeated Kubrat Pulev.
In a video uploaded on his verified Twitter handle, Fury threatened to knock out Joshua in three rounds just like he did to Deontey Wilder.
The heat has been on for the much anticipated unified heavyweight champion bout between bot top boxers and Fury had previously stated that he is only interested in smashing Joshua’s face.
However, Joshua has reiterated his desire to fight Fury.
He told Sky Sports “I started this game in 2013. I’ve been chasing all the belts. I’ve been dealing with mandatories.
“Of course I want the challenge. It’s not about the opponent, it’s about the legacy and the belt. Whoever has got the belt, I would love to compete with them. If that is Tyson Fury, let it be Tyson Fury. It’s no big deal.
“It’s one fight at a time, picking them off one by one. That’s all it’s about for me. I’ve got to stay focused.”
