RESPECT went out of the window as Anthony Joshua retaliated with a punch of his own after being struck by Kubrat Pulev after the bell.
AJ was in complete control against the Bulgarian at Wembley Arena and had his opponent on rubbery legs when the shock incident occurred.
Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev landed punches after the bell following the third Credit: AFP or licensors
NINTCHDBPICT000625356915Credit: PA:Press Association
The WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO title holder had Pulev rocked in the third and knocked him down twice.
The veteran survived until the end of the round, but as the ref broke them up following the bell, Pulev proceeded to land a shot on Joshua’s face.
The champ responded in kind, before they were split up and headed to their respective corners.
Frank Bruno led the calls for AJ to keep his cool after dominating his rival.
The British boxing legend tweeted: “Come on AJ Pulev in trouble stay calm AJ.”
Another viewer wrote: “Pulev barely makes it out of the round! AJ with two knockdowns. That right uppercut is brutal. Love seeing AJ return fire after Pulev throws after the bell.”
A fellow fan commented: “That altercation after the bell was hilarious, poor sportsmanship but f***ing funny.”
Fortunately for British fans, Joshua managed to keep his composure following a warning from the ref at the start of the fourth.
And he continued to dominate throughout the fight before claiming a stunning victory in the ninth.
Joshua peppered Pulev with uppercuts in the ninth, a huge right flooring the durable challenger.
With seconds left, Pulev managed to get to his feet to beat the count, but was soon sent crashing back down as AJ threw the kitchen sink at him.
The referee gave Pulev a count, but it was clear it was all over.
AJ produced a bow to crowd in attendance before climbing through the ropes to celebrate with Floyd Mayweather at ringside.
And once back in the ring, he and Pulev shared a warm embrace to show there were no ill feelings.
AJ delivered a brutal knockout in the ninth round to retain his titlesCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd
Anthony Joshua addresses fans live from the dressing room and says he’s staying true to himself and learning everyday after fight with Pulev
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
