Heavyweight boxer Kubrat Pulev has defended kissing female journalist Jenny Sushe during a post-fight interview on the weekend.
Pulev (27-1, 14 KOs) made a successful debut in the United States by stopping Bogdan Dinu inside seven rounds on Saturday night.
However, the Bulgarian caused controversy in an interview with Vegas Sports Daily reporter Sushe when he gave her a kiss after being asked whether he would be keen to fight Tyson Fury in his next fight.
Pulev took to Twitter to defend his actions and claimed that the two are "friends" and cited his elation from winning the bout was the reason behind the kiss.
For the most commented kiss in the world! pic.twitter.com/T1Ktlprff4
— Kubrat Pulev (@KubratPulev) 26 March 2019
Sushe has now alleged that Pulev grabbed her and said Thursday that she has hired celebrity attorney Gloria Allred.
"I did not encourage or consent to Mr. Pulev grabbing my face, kissing me, or grabbing my backside," Sushe said, reading from a prepared statement. "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."
News outlet Vegas Sports Daily released a statement earlier in the week saying it is looking into the incident.
"We are working around the clock with Jenny Sushe, and Pulev's management team to further investigate the matter and determine appropriate steps/actions following this unfortunate event," the statement said.
"What happened to Ms. Sushe was completely blindsiding and unwarranted and we share in her shock, hurt, embarrassment and general outrage.
"We want to make it clear that women should feel safe and comfortable to exercise the duties of their job, free of abuse, advances, harassment, etc in the workplace."
Iil embarrassing. Strange
— SuShe Art (@SuSheArt) March 25, 2019
Sushe has only responded to the interview on her Twitter account and wrote that the situation was "embarrassing and strange."