ANTHONY JOSHUA tried to understand his defeat at Oleksandr Usyk’s hands and asked his conqueror, “How did you beat me? You’re not strong.”
Joshua, 32 years old, gave his all in Saudi Arabia for the Ukrainian heavyweight champ to make it 12 thrilling rounds.
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The judges split the decision and the Brit won.
After dazzlingly throwing out two of the world championship belts from the ring, AJ then stormed back towards his dressing area and returned to talk with Usyk.
Before Joshua began to speak, they shook hands.
His demeanour is not clear if he was giving Usyk credit, or just having a bit of fun with his rival.
AJ said, “I don’t care if I am strong, but I have that ability.”
“Being strong doesn’t win boxing. Skills are the key to winning boxing.
“You’re weak. How could you beat me? How? Because of their skill.
“I had character and determination. Where’s the mic?”
Joshua took the microphone from the mic and started his passionate speech, although it was a little cringe-worthy.
He was respectful of Usyk all through, especially during the war in Ukraine, and he once again praised his qualities in the ring.
However, he went on a huge tangent regarding his own backstory. Many felt that he stole Usyks spotlight following the defense of his World titles.
Joshua, 32, stated that he would have understood the passion if he had known my story.
“I ain’t no amateur fighter from five years of age that was an elite prospect as a youth.
“I was going to jail, I got bail and I started training my a*** off, I wanted to be able to fight.
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“I’m stealing this Usyk, I’m sorry. It’s because of the passion that we put into it.
“This guy to beat me tonight, maybe I could have done better, but it shows the level of hard work I put in so please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world.”
He added, “I’m no 12-round fighter. Look at me.”
“I’m a new breed in heavyweights: Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston and Jack Dempsey. You don’t throw combinations as Rocky Marciano’s. I’m 18st., heavy, it is hard work.
“This guy here is a phenomenal talent, we’re going to cheer for him three times.”
The crowd cheered Usyk then, which left him baffled.
I’m upset deep down in my heart
Anthony Joshua
AJ was unable to hold his press conference due to tears and was consoled by Eddie Hearn, the promotor.
He stated, “Am I proud to be me?” It’s hard for me say that I am proud of myself.
“I don’t feel anything, I’m upset deep down in my heart.”
Usyk (35), wants to fight Tyson Fury next, with all the heavyweight titles on the line.
When he finally got his hands on the mic after AJ, he said: “I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet.
“I’m sure, I’m convinced he wants to fight me.
“I want to fight him and if I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.”
FURY TO FIGHT
Fury accepted Fury’s challenge and appears to be ready to tackle the WBA/WBO/IBF and The Ring holder.
The Gypsy King wrote in a now-deletted Instagram post that Joshua lost for the second time to Usyk. He was out of his depth.
“But, England has been freed from its belts. It’s the same as always.
“There is a way out and a solution. Send in the Gypsy barbarian from England if you want to get those belts back. Get on board!
“Send me in. I will remove the Ukrainian dosser’s belts from him as I did with the last Ukrainian dosser.
It’s not going to be cheap. It’s going to be expensive if you want the best.
“So get your f***ing chequebook out and I will relieve that Ukrainian dosser.”
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