Floyd Mayweather’s instructions to Anthony Joshua during Kubrat Pulev fight

Floyd Mayweather was in attendance for Anthony Joshua's victory over Kubrat Pulev at the SSE Arena in December.

It was the first time the Brit had defended his titles since regaining them from Andy Ruiz Jr.

But he produced a stunning display in front of the 50-0 boxer as he knocked out the Bulgarian in the ninth round.

Joshua has now revealed that he could hear Mayweather shouting instructions from ringside.

He told JD Sports : “When I put my hand up there I could hear Mayweather, ‘Jab, jab champ.’

“That’s when I kind of acknowledged him.”

Joshua's next fight could be the highly-anticipated bout with compatriot Tyson Fury.

The 31-year-old stopped short of naming the Gypsy King after he beat Pulev but did say that he would fight anyone with a belt.

Joshua's win last year was his first fight for 12 months as the pandemic put the sport on hold.

Mayweather was a surprise attendee with few expecting him to show up in London, but Joshua has said it was an "honour" to have him there.

He previously said on his own YouTube documentary : “It was the first time we were allowed fans back in stadiums and Mayweather was in the stadium.

“It’s an honour to have him in the house, I respect him highly for what he’s achieved.

“He came to see me perform and I pulled out one of his favourite moves which is the pull counter.

“If you watch boxing, you’ll know that’s one of Mayweather’s signature moves.

“Having him in the house was an honour and I felt I had to give him a little something to remember.”