Boxer Pulev Forced to Attend Sexual Harassment Course After Forcibly Kissing Reporter and Fined $2,500

Bulgarian heavyweight boxer Kubrat Pulev has been ordered to complete a sexual harassment course to be licensed to fight in California again following an incident involving a female reporter whom he forcibly kissed mid-interview.

Appearing before the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) on Tuesday the 38-year-old fighter apologized for his behavior adding that he wants to return to the boxing ring as soon as possible.

The CSAC voted to extend the boxer’s suspension until July 22, agreeing, however, to reinstate his license if he attends sexual harassment prevention classes and pays a $2,500 fine.

Pulev, known as ‘the Cobra’ was warned he could be slapped with a lifetime ban if he commits similar offenses in the future.

During a post-match interview, conducted by Vegas Sports Daily reporter Jennifer Ravalo, the boxer unexpectedly grabbed the journalist and kissed her in the mouth without consent.

Ravalo later revealed that the two-time European heavyweight champion “shocked” her by his behavior, and said the incident left her “humiliated.”

“I started the interview and mid-interview he grabbed my face and kissed me. I was immediately shocked and embarrassed and I did not know how to respond,” she said at the time.

Sometimes people who fight for a living don’t give great personal space to others.