In one of the most anticipated heavyweight clashes of 2020, British boxing sensation Anthony Joshua took on Kubrat Pulev of Bulgaria at The SSE Arena, Wembley, London. The bout was a significant step for Joshua in his pursuit of regaining his undisputed heavyweight champion status after the shocking loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. the year before. For Pulev, it was an opportunity to prove that his experience and skill could push him to the very top of the heavyweight division.

This fight was billed as a high-stakes contest, where Joshua’s WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles were on the line, while Pulev sought to claim his first world title. What followed was a bout that featured tactical brilliance, explosive power, and plenty of drama—ending in a way that confirmed Joshua’s place among the elite heavyweights in the world.

The Build-Up: The Clash of Styles

Going into the fight, the styles of the two fighters were at opposite ends of the spectrum. On one side was Anthony Joshua, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist, with a resume that included victories over top-tier opponents like Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Alexander Povetkin. Joshua was known for his athleticism, knockout power, and technical skill, along with his ability to control the pace of a fight with his jab and strong defense.

On the other side stood Kubrat Pulev, a seasoned veteran with years of experience in the heavyweight division. Pulev, nicknamed “The Cobra,” had a style that relied on his solid fundamentals, tough chin, and ability to weather storms. While Pulev had never been able to capture a world title in his previous attempts—most notably falling short against Wladimir Klitschko in 2014—his record was strong, with only one loss to the Ukrainian legend.

Pulev’s corner was confident in his ability to take Joshua into deep waters, exploiting any weaknesses Joshua might have. Pulev’s jab and experience in longer fights were seen as keys to the fight, but many experts questioned if he had enough power and speed to outbox Joshua, especially after the British star’s dominant performance in his comeback win over Ruiz.

The Fight: Joshua’s Dominance

The bout began with both fighters feeling each other out, but it quickly became apparent that Joshua’s superior hand speed, size, and power were going to be the deciding factors. From the first round, Joshua looked composed and measured, controlling the pace with his jab and footwork while ensuring that Pulev didn’t land any clean punches.

Joshua’s combination punches began to find their mark in the second round. By the third round, the action started to heat up, with Pulev attempting to apply pressure, but he was consistently caught by Joshua’s sharp counters. The Bulgarian fighter’s strategy of trying to corner Joshua and land powerful right hands just wasn’t working. Joshua’s defense was too tight, and he expertly avoided most of Pulev’s best shots.

By the third round, Joshua had already started to dominate. His heavy right hand began landing at will, and Pulev’s defense was starting to look porous. However, Pulev’s resilience should not be underestimated. The Bulgarian was able to recover from several heavy blows and continue to march forward, trying to land his own bombs. But Joshua’s consistent pressure was too much.

The Knockdowns: Joshua’s Clinical Finish

The turning point of the fight came in the third round, when Joshua delivered a stunning left hook that knocked Pulev to the canvas. Although Pulev bravely made it to his feet, the writing was on the wall. Joshua’s confidence surged as he sensed the victory was within reach. Pulev continued to show grit, but his ability to mount a comeback was limited as Joshua dominated the rest of the round.

As the fight moved into the later rounds, the energy began to shift. In the ninth round, Joshua finally ended matters. After a series of well-timed combinations, he landed a devastating uppercut that sent Pulev crashing to the canvas. The Bulgarian’s legs buckled, and although he attempted to rise, Joshua landed a final barrage of punches that forced the referee to step in and stop the fight.

Joshua’s TKO victory in the ninth round was a testament to his power and precision. The win demonstrated that his previous loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. was nothing more than a fluke. With his titles intact, Joshua’s stock in the heavyweight division remained as high as ever.

Post-Fight: Joshua’s Reflection and Future

After the fight, Anthony Joshua reflected on his performance, acknowledging the resilience of Kubrat Pulev but expressing satisfaction with his own display of composure and control. Joshua was now a unified champion once again, and the heavyweight division had one eye on what would come next. The possibility of a mega-fight between Joshua and fellow heavyweight star Tyson Fury loomed large on the horizon.

Joshua’s victory put him back on track toward his dream of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion. With the next logical step being a unification bout against Fury, the world of boxing eagerly awaited a potential clash between the two British heavyweights.

As for Kubrat Pulev, despite the loss, he remained a respected figure in the heavyweight division. The Bulgarian fighter’s experience and tenacity were still undeniable, but at 39 years old, it became clear that his window to claim a world title had likely passed.

Conclusion: A Solid Victory for Joshua

In the end, Anthony Joshua proved that he was back to his best, defeating Kubrat Pulev in a dominant and clinical fashion. The performance not only showcased his boxing skills and physical attributes but also his mental fortitude. With his titles secured and the world’s attention on him, Joshua is now poised to take on the biggest names in the division, with a showdown against Tyson Fury perhaps just around the corner.

For Pulev, the fight ended his dream of capturing a world title, but his legacy as one of the top contenders of his generation remained intact. Joshua, however, stood as the rightful champion, and the heavyweight division would have its eyes on the next chapter in his career.