Boxer Kubrat Pulev suspended after kissing reporter on lips in ‘disgusting’ post-fight interview
KUBRAT PULEV has been suspended from boxing after kissing a reporter on the lips in a "disgusting" post-fight interview.
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has banned the heavyweight contender, 37, after forcibly kissing Jennifer Ravalo.
The CSAC have described the incident as "disgusting, unwelcome and unlawful" after Ravalo earlier revealed she was taking legal action.
A statement from the CSAC 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."
Earlier, a horrified Ravalo had admitted to feeling "shocked and embarrassed" after being "grabbed" by the Bulgarian.
Ravalo said: "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.
"HE LAUGHED"
"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."
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Pulev, who pulled out of a fight with Anthony Joshua in 2017, was hit by a huge backlash for suddenly grabbing Sushe's face and kissing her, but insisted the pair are "friends" and "laughed about it later".
But the Vegas Sports Daily journalist claims she only met Pulev, 37, earlier that day and that he asked for the unsavoury snog to be left out of the video.
She said: "I did not remove it, and instead I posted it, because I wanted people to see what he had done to me."
Ravalo has hired high-profile lawyer Gloria Allred to fight her case against Pulev - hoping she can "help impose consequences" on Pulev.
Allred, 77, specialises in sexual assault cases and is described as "the most famous woman attorney practising law in America today" on her official website.
