Pulev running away from Joshua

Could be marketing reasons why the ref let the fight go on. It's Joshuas first fight after a whole year. Ending in 3 rounds is just boring, so the ref tried to keep it as long as possible. Same for the KO in round 9. The countdown wasn't needed, but the ref counted till 10, maybe hoping to keep the fight going until the bell rings.

Impressive to see the functioning of the human's body. Almost KO'd in round 3, then lasts another 5-6 rounds at the age of 39, landing some shots at Joshua. Good stamina also from Pulev, maybe because he didn't really throw punches and couldn't lose energy.

 

Does anyone know what the rules says about someone literally running away like that? The closest to it I've seen before is Young leaning out between the ropes.

It should really be the equivalent to tapping in MMA. Either that or that it's fair game for the other guy to punch anyway. Preferable the first option.

On the other hand, taking a knee is an allowed tactic...

 

You can run but you can't hide.
Joshua got him eventually.

 

..... and hugging/holding when you're in trouble (or not) is actually an admired tactic (though technically illegal in Queensberry rules !)

 

Yes. You can get disqualified for it (an early Tyson opponent was), but a lot of lee way is usually given.

 

What's very strange is how brave Pulev was after turning his back in the third round. I mean the fight should have ended there and then he turned his back. But Pulev was still trying to win so fair play to him.

 

Khan ran away from Garcia and it was barely mentioned - think it may have been stopped soon after. Would have been an interesting topic had Pulev won but it could defo have been stopped he wasn't too sure where he was for a few moments.

 

Pulev was knocked silly and didnt know where he was, referee knew pulev didnt want to quit but was just a reflex, you guys didnt notice him raising his arms to protect his head right when he went to the corner after joshua was told to move away? Pulev was half unconscious.