Boxing: Heavyweight boxer Kubrat Pulev suspended after 'forcibly' kissing reporter after interview

Kubrat Pulev kissed unsuspecting reporter Jenny SuShe. Photo / Twitter

Heavyweight boxer Kubrat Pulev has been suspended by California boxing chiefs after he "forcibly" kissed a female reporter at the conclusion of an interview.

Footage of the interview shows the 37-year-old Bulgarian kiss Vegas Sports Daily reporter Jenny Ravalo without her consent after his win over Bogdan Dinu in California.

After video of the kiss went viral to widespread criticism, Pulev released a statement on Twitter claiming the pair were friends.

However, Ravalo, who works under the name Jenny SuShe, strongly denied the boxer's claims and has hired prominent attorney Gloria Allred to represent her in attempts to bring Pulev to justice.

In a press conference yesterday, Ravalo said the boxer not only kissed her but also groped her without consent.

"Mid-interview he grabbed my face and kissed me. I was immediately shocked and embarrassed, and didn't know how to respond," Ravalo said in a statement read out at the press conference.

"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."

For the most commented kiss in the world! pic.twitter.com/T1Ktlprff4

— Kubrat Pulev (@KubratPulev) March 26, 2019

Pulev has been ordered to appear in front of the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), who said they "take this incident seriously".

"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," the CSAC said.

The heavyweight contender has one loss in 27 fights as a professional.

This is not 'Alpha as f***', it's called sexual assault. This woman responds in the way too many women have to when they're afraid of men, it's called de-escalation. Any men that think this is acceptable behaviour, educate yourself. It isn't. Ever. https://t.co/ewb0IZ81dd

— Chris Lloyd (@ChrisLloydTV) March 24, 2019