Kubrat Pulev has responded after the heavyweight boxer was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for forcibly kissing a female reporter on the lips.
Jenny ‘SuShe’ Ravalo said she was “humiliated” by the kiss and has since hired Gloria Allred, a high-profile lawyer specialising in sexual assault cases, to represent her.
However, speaking to German publication Bild, Pulev said: “That’s not true. And, by the way, this woman is not my type.”
The kiss took place after the 37-year-old Bulgarian scored an impressive knockout victory over Bogan Dinu to put him in line for a potential bout against Anthony Joshua.
SuShe, a reporter for Vegas Sports Daily, held a press conference where she explain the alleged details of her encounter with Pulev.
“Mid-interview he grabbed my face and kissed me. I was immediately shocked and embarrassed, and didn’t know how to respond.
“Next, I walked to the table to put my items in my backpack. He grabbed both of my buttocks and squeezed with both of his hands. Then he walked away without saying anything to me and laughed.
“It made me feel uncomfortable and frustrated that Kubrat Pulev would treat me in such an unprofessional manner. I did not encourage or consent to Mr Pulev grabbing my face, kissing me, or grabbing my backside.
“I was there at the event covering the boxing match as a professional member of the press. Kissing a woman on her lips without her consent and grabbing her is not acceptable. No woman should be treated this way.”
Pulev denied Ravalo had taken offence to the kiss and insisted the pair were friends, despite meeting for the first time on the day before.
“The reporter, Jenny, is actually a friend of mine,” said Pulev. “And after the interview, I was so elated, I gave her a kiss.
“Later that night, she joined me and my other friends at my post-fight celebration.”
The CSAC released a statement announcing Pulev has been suspended, which read: ”Before he will be licensed to fight in California again, boxer Kubrat Pulev must appear in front of the commission and demonstrate that he will conform to this principle of respect.”
