Anthony Joshua addresses Floyd Mayweather attendance at Kubrat Pulev victory

Anthony Joshua believes Floyd Mayweather attending his fight with Kubrat Pulev proves that “heavyweight boxing is back on the map”.

Joshua knocked out his Bulgarian opponent in the ninth round to defend his titles at Wembley Arena.

Boxing in the UK had fans again with 1,000 supporters allowed into the London venue, including one of the pound-for-pound greats in Mayweather.

AJ swiftly hopped out of the ring following his demolition of Pulev to share a few words with the 43-year-old, who was a surprise guest.

And Joshua believes that Mayweather attending shows just how much heavyweight boxing has improved in recent years.

Joshua told DAZN : “I could hear him shouting, his bling bling was blinding me from certain angles.

“If I could hit them numbers that he’s doing, I’d be doing the same thing. He’s living life, travelling the world, he’s retired and he’s a great inspiration to the boxing community.

"It’s great to have him in the house, it shows that heavyweight boxing is back on the map.”

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  Floyd Mayweather rocks up at Anthony Joshua fight in surprise ringside appearance

Mayweather, who won all 50 of his professional bouts, is set to return to the ring in the new year in an exhibition fight.

He will take on YouTuber Logan Paul with the clash scheduled for February 20. And Money was keen to take in some action before making a ring walk again.

Speaking before the Joshua-Pulev fight, Mayweather said: “It’s always good to see some great boxing.

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"The UK is a great place, so many great fighters. I am proud of Anthony Joshua.

“He is one of the best heavyweights out there. Got a gold medal before. His career is going great, he is a hell of a fighter.

“Anything can happen in the sport of boxing, one shot can change it all. He is a great fighter, hell of a guy a gentleman and I respect his craft.”

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