Anthony Joshua retains heavyweight boxing titles with knockout of Kubrat Pulev

Anthony Joshua has defended his WBO, IBF, WBA and IBO heavyweight titles with a ninth-round knockout of Bulgarian mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev in London.

In front of about 1,000 fans at Wembley Arena, a far smaller crowd than Joshua has become accustomed to in recent years, the Brit dominated his opponent, knocking him down twice in an explosive third round.

Joshua bided his time for long spells during the fight, but exploded in the ninth, knocking Pulev down after a series of powerful uppercuts, before ending the contest with a stunning overhand right.

“Less talk, more action,” Joshua said after a fight that featured plenty of talking from both men.

Both fighters had to be separated after the bell on multiple occasions in a spiteful…