Sports
Joshua knocks out Pulev, edges closer to dream fight against Tyson Fury
Anthony Joshua floors Kubrat Pulev three times in a spiteful and vicious performance that would have grabbed Tyson Fury’s attention, reports Skysports.
Joshua knocked his opponent out in the ninth round of their world heavyweight championship fight at The SSE Arena, Wembley, on Saturday night.
He floored Pulev heavily on three occasions, twice in the final round, and ended the fight with a vicious right hand to retain his IBF, WBA and WBO titles.
The explosive performance from Joshua would have demanded the attention of Tyson Fury – they remain on a collision course to decide an undisputed champion in 2021.
Undefeated WBC champion Fury holds the only major belt outside of Joshua’s grip and a meeting between them would be the biggest match in world boxing – after delivering this thrilling knockout in front of a crowd of 1,000 people plus boxing great Floyd Mayweather, Joshua moved a step closer to making it a reality.
His first fight since avenging a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr a year ago would have ended explosively in the third round had his challenger Pulev not possessed a warrior-like determination to continue when he was felled, but there was no escaping the eventual knockout.
Joshua barely broke eye contact with his challenger from the moment he strode over the top rope and into the ring, then their pre-fight fist bump was aggressive and intense.
When the punches began flying, Joshua landed a series of jabs and Pulev clipped him back with a left hook.
When Joshua let his hands go for the first time with a four-punch salvo in the second round, Pulev smiled sarcastically back at him.
Joshua smashed Pulev with a perfectly-timed right hand in the third round that badly hurt his challenger.
Joshua hunted him, desperate for the knockout, and landed a brutal barrage of uppercuts and hooks which eventually toppled Pulev to the canvas.
It seemed likely to be all over but Pulev, whose only previous loss in 29 fights was against Wladimir Klitschko, survived to the bell after which he threw an illegal shot that fizzed past the champion’s face.
Joshua, eyes bulging and tongue out, stared a hole through Pulev and spoke to him as the next round was set to begin.
He regained his composure and, in the fifth, cracked home a big right hand which didn’t budge Pulev, who ended the round strongly after some feisty back-and-forth trash talk.
A spiteful fight became gritty and rugged in the sixth when Pulev began winging wild swings that didn’t hit their target, but did force ugly exchanges.
Three consecutive uppercuts from Joshua hurt Pulev in the seventh but still the tough Bulgarian would not cede ground.
Pulev then landed his best punch, a straight right hand, in the eighth.
But Joshua closed the show in the ninth with another colossal uppercut which crumpled Pulev to the floor for the second time.
Still Pulev rose but a right hand from Joshua sent him flying backwards and split his lip bloodily, ending the fight in a flash.
The fight that the boxing world now craves is Joshua vs Fury – they each have other challengers circling, Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder respectively – but the two Brits putting every heavyweight belt on the line would be an historic occasion.
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Sports
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Fight Deal Confirmed, Eddie Hearn Reveals
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Fight Deal Confirmed, Eddie Hearn Reveals
The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between British boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is finally moving closer to reality after promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that a fight agreement has been reached.
Hearn revealed that the deal for the blockbuster clash has been “signed, sealed and delivered,” ending years of speculation, failed negotiations, and repeated attempts to stage one of the biggest fights in boxing history.
However, Joshua is expected to take a tune-up fight before facing Fury. The 36-year-old will return to action on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to fight Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga.
Joshua has been away from full competition since December, when he fought Jake Paul in an exhibition-style bout. His time away from the ring was also marked by a tragic road accident in Nigeria involving his driver, which claimed the lives of two members of his entourage. Joshua has described his return as part of a rebuilding process aimed at preparing him for bigger challenges ahead.
The British-Nigerian boxer said the upcoming fights represent an important step in his comeback journey, stressing that he is focused on regaining full competitive form before stepping into a major showdown.
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The rivalry between Joshua and Fury has dominated global boxing discussions for years, with both fighters carrying British boxing on the world stage as two-time heavyweight champions. Fury, 37, recently returned to winning form against Arslanbek Makhmudov and used the opportunity to once again call out Joshua, increasing pressure for the long-awaited fight.
Reports suggest Fury’s team had already signed their portion of the agreement and were waiting for Joshua’s confirmation, which has now reportedly been completed, bringing the fight significantly closer.
Although the deal has been agreed in principle, the official date and venue for the Joshua vs Fury fight have not yet been announced. Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States remain the leading options, with Riyadh currently seen as the most likely destination due to its growing role in hosting major boxing events.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has also suggested the fight could take place in late 2026 and may be broadcast globally on major streaming platforms, including Netflix, potentially making it one of the most commercially significant boxing events ever staged.
Before facing Fury, Joshua will take on unbeaten Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga, who boasts 20 knockout wins from 21 fights. While not considered a top-tier opponent, the bout is seen as a necessary warm-up to prepare Joshua for the intensity of a heavyweight super-fight.
Boxing analysts say the long-awaited clash represents a historic moment for the sport, bringing together Joshua’s explosive power and technical precision against Fury’s movement, defensive skills, and ring intelligence. Fans around the world have waited nearly a decade for the fight, widely regarded as the biggest all-British heavyweight showdown of the modern era.
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Fight Deal Confirmed, Eddie Hearn Reveals
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Sports
Fernández Sends Chelsea Into FA Cup Final With Win Over Leeds
Fernández Sends Chelsea Into FA Cup Final With Win Over Leeds
Chelsea F.C. booked their place in the FA Cup final after a narrow 1-0 victory over Leeds United F.C. at Wembley, with Enzo Fernández’s first-half header proving decisive in a tightly contested semi-final.
The win ensures Chelsea will face Manchester City F.C. in the final on 16 May, as they aim to end a recent run of defeats in FA Cup finals and secure a major trophy to cap their campaign.
Chelsea made a strong start despite recent off-field changes, with Calum McFarlane taking interim charge until the end of the season following Liam Rosenior’s departure after just 106 days in charge. The result marked a positive beginning to his spell as caretaker manager.
Leeds United, managed by Daniel Farke, started the brighter of the two sides and came close to an early lead. Brenden Aaronson broke through after a clever touch from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez produced a crucial save with his legs to keep the scores level.
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That miss proved costly, as Chelsea struck first in the 23rd minute. Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross into the box, where Enzo Fernández rose highest to power a header past Lucas Perri, giving Chelsea the advantage.
Chelsea grew into the game after taking the lead, with João Pedro coming close to doubling their advantage when he struck the post in the first half. Despite their dominance in spells, Leeds remained dangerous on the counterattack.
After the break, Leeds pushed harder for an equaliser and almost found it immediately when substitute Anton Stach forced a strong save from Sánchez just seconds after coming on. Moments later, Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a golden opportunity, heading straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper from close range.
The match remained tense in the closing stages as Leeds continued to press, but Chelsea’s defence held firm to secure their place in the final.
The result ends Leeds’ hopes of reaching their first FA Cup final since 1973, when they lost to Sunderland, while Chelsea move one step closer to ending their recent struggles in the competition after losing their last three FA Cup finals.
Attention now turns to a high-profile final against Manchester City, setting up another major showdown between two of England’s strongest sides.
Fernández Sends Chelsea Into FA Cup Final With Win Over Leeds
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Sports
Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray Crush Fenerbahce 3-0 in Istanbul Derby
Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray Crush Fenerbahce 3-0 in Istanbul Derby
Victor Osimhen continued his fine form in Turkey as he scored in a commanding 3-0 victory for Galatasaray S.K. over rivals Fenerbahçe S.K. in a heated Istanbul derby on Sunday at Rams Park, strengthening their push for a fourth consecutive Turkish Super Lig title.
The Nigerian striker opened the scoring in the 40th minute, finishing from close range after a well-worked attacking move to mark a strong return from injury. His goal sent the home fans into celebration as Galatasaray took control of the high-intensity clash.
The encounter began with early tension, with both sides involved in heated exchanges that led to multiple bookings within the opening minutes, underlining the intensity of one of Turkey’s biggest football rivalries.
Fenerbahce had an opportunity to take the lead in the 13th minute after being awarded a penalty, but Anderson Talisca failed to convert, dragging his effort wide and allowing Galatasaray to stay in the contest.
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After Osimhen’s opener, Galatasaray gradually grew into the game, controlling possession and dictating the tempo going into halftime.
The hosts extended their lead in the 67th minute when Barış Alper Yılmaz converted from the penalty spot after sustained pressure inside the Fenerbahce box. The situation worsened for the visitors shortly after, as they were reduced to ten men following a red card for a second bookable offence.
Galatasaray made full use of the numerical advantage, sealing the victory in the 83rd minute when Lucas Torreira added the third goal with a composed finish to complete a dominant performance.
The result significantly strengthens Galatasaray’s position at the top of the table, extending their lead over second-placed Fenerbahce to seven points with just four matches remaining in the season. The victory puts them firmly on course to secure another league crown.
Beyond the scoreline, the match was defined by its intensity, missed opportunities, and disciplinary issues, reflecting the fierce rivalry between the two Istanbul giants.
Osimhen’s goal further boosts his growing influence at Galatasaray, as he continues to play a key role in their title charge during the final stretch of the season.
Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray Crush Fenerbahce 3-0 in Istanbul Derby
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