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Anthony Joshua retained his three heavyweight title belts on Saturday in London, knocking out Kubrat Pulev in the ninth round to move a step closer to a possible undisputed title fight against Tyson Fury sometime in 2021.
While Fury-Joshua may not be next (Oleksandr Usyk, WBO mandatory, etc., we’ve been over it), it’s now at least a step closer. Pulev loomed as a threat — a clear underdog, yes, but crazy things can happen in heavyweight boxing especially. Pulev (28-2, 14 KO) has now been dealt with, and Joshua (24-1, 22 KO) moves forward.
We’ll have to see if that can come together, either next or by the end of 2021, but there is some confidence that a deal will get made without any real trouble when the time is actually there.
Here’s what some of the pros had to say about AJ’s win, and also about the Fury idea:
Vicious! Pulev was so so brave and had a serious chin but AJ as an athlete is exceptional! His boxing IQ is improving with every fight and he’s only getting better! Very clever at times tonight and as usual a CLINICAL finisher!
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) December 12, 2020
Great performance from @anthonyfjoshua relaxed, disciplined and controlled. Fury v aj is a great fight
— Liam Smith (@LiamBeefySmith) December 12, 2020
Good finish from big AJ
— Josh Warrington (@J_Warrington) December 12, 2020
Tough tough man though is Pulev, took some very big shots throughout the fight.
Nice to see a crowd back for the boxing also, just adds that little more spice!
Who wins out of AJ/Fury?
Nothing sexier than a naughty little uppercut.
— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) December 12, 2020
Tyson fury beats Joshua
— Joseph Diaz (@JosephDiazJr) December 12, 2020
Pulev is as tough as they come as a heavyweight
— Tony Harrison (@Iamboxing) December 12, 2020
Lights out! Congrats @anthonyfjoshua ! Good job!
— ClaressaT-rexShields (@Claressashields) December 12, 2020
Let’s get Joshua V fury on
— Anthony Fowler (@afowler06) December 12, 2020
I don’t wanna see Fury or Joshua fight anyone but each other next!!
— Tommy McCarthy (@Tommymac90) December 12, 2020
There’s the FEROCIOUS FINISHER!!@SIChrisMannix #JoshuaPulev
— Sergio Mora (@TheLatinSnake_) December 12, 2020
Everyone asking for Joshua - Fury but I would love to see Joshua - Usyk @SkySportsBoxing #JoshuaPulev
— Jason Quigley (@jay_quigley) December 12, 2020
Wot a performance from Aj stylistically brilliant tonight.
— Thomas Stalker (@ThomasStalker1) December 12, 2020
The world wants to see Fury next.
The fact that Pulev is occasionally landing a straight right on Joshua is why I think Wilder would beat him even still. #JoshuaPulev
— Mykal(Michael) Fox (@ProfessorMyke) December 12, 2020
@anthonyfjoshua & @KubratPulev two fantastic fighters and two class acts! #BoxingAtItsBest
— Conrad Cummings (@ChampCummings) December 12, 2020
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) December 12, 2020
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣1️⃣
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 12, 2020
Tyson Fury* where you at?! #RoadToUndisputed #JoshuaPulev
* We can't tag as we're still blocked pic.twitter.com/mvKEjU1lPE